UK backs calls for targeted sanctions over Alexei Navalny poisoning

An international watchdog confirmed that the Russian politician had been poisoned by a Soviet-era nerve agent from the Novichok group

Britain will work with international allies to take forward targeted sanctions against Russian officials it holds responsible for the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said.

The international watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, confirmed on Tuesday that Mr Navalny had been poisoned by a Soviet-era nerve agent from the Novichok group.

The findings backed those from laboratories in France, Sweden and Germany where Mr Navalny was treated after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight in August.

In a statement, Mr Raab said the UK stood with Germany and France in condemning the "abhorrent" poisoning of the opposition politician.

"Despite having a clear case to answer the Russian authorities continue to make no credible attempt to investigate this attack," he said.

"There is no plausible explanation for Mr Navalny's poisoning other than Russian involvement and responsibility for this appalling attack.

"We will work together with our international partners to take forward sanctions targeting Russian officials and others who are considered responsible for this crime as well those involved in the development of the Novichok chemical weapon programme."

PA