Rayleigh and Wickford MP and former Defence Minister, Mark Francois, condemned the comments of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament today regarding the sanctions being placed on Russia for their involvement in the Salisbury incident.
The Prime Minister set out in a statement to Parliament the Government’s response to the Salisbury incident which included plans to expel 23 Russian Diplomats, increased checks on private flights, customs and freight, suspension of planned high level bi-lateral contacts between the UK and Russia - and Government Officials and Royal Family Members boycotting the Football World Cup.
After praising the Prime Minister for her “decisive and vigorous” action over this matter, Mark then said:
“It was in stark contrast to the attitude of the Leader of the Opposition, who simply could not bring himself to condemn Russia for this outrageous act. He simply couldn’t do it and that is because he remains at heart, what he has always been, a CND badge-wearing apologist for the Russian State.”
In response, the Prime Minister stated:
“I can say to my honourable friend that I am sure the people will take their own conclusions from what they have heard today but I can also say to my honourable friend that I am sure he, as I do, take a great deal of reassurance from the positive messages of support that come from the Labour backbenches.”