Russia says Britain must recall more than 50 diplomats

Britain has to reduce its diplomatic staff in Russia by more than 50 people, the foreign ministry said today, following an escalating row over an attack on a former double agent.

“Russia suggested parity. The British side has more than 50 more people,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told AFP.

Yesterday, Moscow gave London a month to cut the number of diplomatic staff in Russia to the same number Russia has in Britain.