Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Salisbury Incident 2018: Update

21 September 2021 · 17 other contributors

Opened by Priti Patel Con Witham

Crime & Law EnforcementJustice & CourtsForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Priti Patel raised concerns about salisbury incident 2018: update in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Home Secretary Priti Patel made a statement about charges being authorised against a third individual related to the 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack.
  • The incident involved Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia being poisoned with Novichok.
  • Dawn Sturgess died as a result of the nerve agent attack.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Priti Patel

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, made a statement on the announcement by Counter Terrorism Policing that charges have been authorised against a third individual in relation to the Salisbury nerve agent attack of 2018. She thanked the Opposition for their support and acknowledged the ongoing nature of the investigation. The incident involved Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia being poisoned with Novichok, alongside two police officers who were also affected. Additionally, Dawn Sturgess died in Amesbury after being exposed to the same agent, leading to an ongoing inquest into her death. Patel noted that Russia's actions, such as annexing Crimea and interfering in elections, have challenged international order. She reiterated that the UK will not tolerate malign activity from Russia within its borders. In response to Salisbury, 250 detectives were involved in a murder investigation, leading to charges against two Russian nationals and later a third individual named Sergey Fedotov. The Home Secretary stressed the efforts of emergency services and intelligence agencies and emphasised ongoing investigations to bring perpetrators to justice. The UK has expelled 23 undeclared Russian intelligence officers as part of diplomatic measures taken in response to Salisbury, alongside economic sanctions and collaboration with international allies against Russia's actions. New powers have been introduced to enable border security checks on individuals suspected of hostile activity. Future legislation aims to enhance the UK’s ability to detect and respond to state threats. Patel also highlighted efforts to combat illicit finance through new sanctions regimes and increased law enforcement action against Russian cyber-attacks.

Other contributors (17)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon), a DUP member, asked if the Home Secretary could provide more details about the work of the Counter Terrorism Policing and its impact on local communities.

    Minister reply

    Priti Patel responded by praising the outstanding work done by the CT Policing team and highlighting their efforts in bringing perpetrators to justice. She emphasised the complexity of the investigation and acknowledged the bravery of those involved, ensuring that all available measures would be taken if suspects leave Russia.

  • Grahame Morris Lab Easington

    Question

    The Member for Easington (Grahame Morris), a Labour MP, enquired about the Home Secretary’s response to potential threats from Russian state agents and the measures being taken in North Yorkshire.

    Minister reply

    Priti Patel confirmed that all necessary steps were being taken by security services to counter any threat. She emphasised ongoing work with local authorities and agencies to ensure robust protection against such risks.

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    Inquires about details of diplomatic efforts to ensure apprehension if suspects leave Russia, progress on implementing recommendations from the Intelligence and Security Committee's Russia report, urgency of updates on the Joint Committee’s National Security Strategy report.

    Minister reply

    Priti Patel assures that resourcing is always there for cyber, hostile state activity, diplomatic aspects, Magnitsky sanctions, and further investigations with allies. She confirms ongoing work to address national security elements in future legislation.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Recalls a BBC account of Russian law permitting extra-judicial killings abroad and warns against investments made by Russians targeting critical national infrastructure.

    Minister reply

    Priti Patel agrees that the Russian state targets perceived enemies at home and abroad, highlighting the need for legislation addressing vulnerabilities in critical national infrastructure.

  • Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber

    Question

    Welcomed the ongoing investigation into the Salisbury poisonings and the European Court of Human Rights judgment on the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. Raised concerns about Russian state-sponsored terrorism and money laundering in the UK. Asked for sanctions against Russia during UN meetings, a full independent investigation into illegal Russian money, and opening up AUKUS to include other NATO allies.

    Minister reply

    Stressed the Government's commitment to pursuing justice and deterring future malign actions. Noted ongoing work on unexplained wealth orders and financial investigations. Reaffirmed the need for continued cooperation with NATO allies.

  • David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington

    Question

    Praised the Home Secretary's response but called for stricter action against Russian oligarchs involved in UK property, media, and sports to prevent future attacks.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the need for further actions across government departments and emphasised the Government’s commitment to protect domestic security.

  • Yvette Cooper Lab Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

    Question

    Expressed support for the work done but inquired about updates on a review of tier 1 investor visas aimed at preventing illicit finance from individuals linked to the Russian state.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the previous misuse of these visa routes and indicated potential future changes to immigration policies.

  • John Howell Con Henley

    Question

    Called for an urgent debate at the Council of Europe on Russia’s actions following the ECHR judgment.

    Minister reply

    Expressed support for openness and transparency regarding these issues and hoped for a positive outcome.

  • Kevan Jones Lab North Durham

    Question

    Welcomed her statement, asked about sharing intelligence with the Intelligence and Security Committee and advocated using existing tools against facilitators of Russian activities.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the importance of applying laws effectively and committed to engaging directly with the ISC.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Question

    The Home Secretary mentions the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which is a member of, has allowed Russia back into the Assembly for financial reasons. This shows that Russia does not care about human rights and undermines efforts to deal with illegal migration and protect lives at sea. Perhaps it's time to replace the Human Rights Act with our own British rights Act.

    Minister reply

    I thank my right hon. Friend for his comments. The judgment from the ECHR is important, particularly in dealing with illegal migration. We would welcome greater support through the courts and have introduced new powers to help us tackle these issues.

  • Derek Twigg Lab Widnes and Halewood

    Question

    Three Russian agents entered the country undetected despite new powers introduced after the Salisbury attack. Do those new powers prevent such individuals from entering the UK?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting point. The powers were introduced in response to the Salisbury attack and have been used since then, helping to stop, question, search and detain individuals.

  • Philip Hollobone Con Kettering

    Question

    State-sponsored terrorists should not be allowed into the UK. Given that the GRU agents were carrying poison and used false passports, are changes made at passport entry desks to prevent such individuals from entering?

    Minister reply

    Yes, my hon. Friend raises an important point. The Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 introduced significant changes, not only at the border but also in terms of intelligence exchange behind the scenes.

  • Stewart McDonald SNP Glasgow South

    Question

    It took three years to identify a third individual involved in Salisbury poisoning. Why has it taken so long and why are there no new sanctions or diplomatic responses? Given threats from Russia, does this not underline the need for greater Euro-Atlantic defence and security co-operation?

    Minister reply

    The investigation is complex, involving extensive work by security and intelligence agencies and counter-terrorism policing. Diplomatic discussions with allies are ongoing to consider further steps.

  • Lilian Greenwood Lab Nottingham South

    Question

    While acknowledging the work done to respond to investigations, will the Home Secretary outline progress made on implementing recommendations from the Intelligence and Security Committee’s Russia report?

    Minister reply

    Work is taking place across Government involving FCDO and the national security apparatus. An update on the report's recommendations will be provided in due course.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    Question

    Considering today’s reminder of the scale of security threats, including cyber-threats from countries like Russia, can the Home Secretary provide more information on work being done to deter such investment?

    Minister reply

    The National Cyber Security Centre and extensive work across the UK intelligence community are tackling cyber-threats. Countries involved in these threats need to enhance their cybersecurity.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Given the determination to catch those responsible for the Salisbury murder, will the Secretary of State confirm discussions with other countries regarding diplomatic immunity and whether reconsideration is needed?

    Minister reply

    Post-Salisbury, collective diplomatic efforts were made including expulsions and sanctions. The Foreign Secretary is currently in New York pressing every single lever to use every diplomatic option available.

Shadow Comment

Nick Thomas-Symonds

The Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds, acknowledged the outrage caused by the Salisbury nerve agent attack. He reiterated Labour's stance that Russia was responsible for this act and thanked counter-terror policing and other agencies for their work in identifying a third suspect. He asked about diplomatic efforts to apprehend suspects if they leave Russia. Thomas-Symonds highlighted the profound consequences of the attack on individuals and communities, paying tribute to victims and emergency services. He emphasised the importance of NATO and implementing recommendations from the Intelligence and Security Committee’s Russia report in July 2021. The shadow asked about progress on these recommendations and confirmed that the forthcoming counter-state threats Bill will put them into law. He raised concerns over national security machinery, urging for a speeded-up response to recent committee reports. He also inquired about the number of people subjected to Magnitsky sanctions and resources dedicated to combating cyber-threats from Russia.

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