If Russia targeted Sergei Skripal, the UK must rally its allies for coordinated action

By HJS

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The Henry Jackson Society today responded to developments in the case of Sergei Skripal, saying that, if Russia’s involvement is proven, the UK must rally its allies to levy sanctions and isolate Russia internationally.

Dr Andrew Foxall, Director of the Russia and Eurasia Studies Centre at the Henry Jackson Society, said:

“While this is still an ongoing investigation, it is becoming increasing clear that both the Government and security services believe it is highly likely this was a Russian state-sponsored action.

“The UK’s response to Russia’s murder of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 was a case of ‘too little, too late’, and lessons need to have been learnt.

“If Russia’s involvement is proven, then the UK should rally international support – amongst our EU, transatlantic, or NATO allies – for co-ordinated action against Russia. It should impose targeted sanctions against those close to President Putin. It should adopt a UK Magnitsky Act, which would ban those guilty of human rights abuses in Russia from travelling to the UK or holding assets here.

“It is up to the West to make clear to Russia that actions like this will exclude it from the civilised world.”

HJS



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