Jeremy Corbyn's closest ally distances himself and supports Theresa May's stance on Russia
JEREMY Corbyn was isolated over his stance on Russia last night after his closest ally distanced himself. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell made clear that he supports Theresa May’s robust stance against Vladimir Putin over the Salisbury nerve agent attack.
McDonnell: Labour CONDEMN Russia for Salisbury actions
While the Labour leader has refused to condemn the Kremlin, his right-hand man Mr McDonnell is the latest to back the Prime Minister.
He said the poisoning is “highly likely” to have been a state execution despite Mr Corbyn wanting more evidence.
Mr McDonnell told ITV’s Peston on Sunday: “He [Putin] is responsible whichever way you look at it, all the evidence points to him.”
He added: “We support exactly what the Prime Minister said and we condemn Russia for this. This is a pattern of behaviour we have seen.”
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Mr McDonnell said we must base judgments on evidence but added: “There’s a pattern of people being murdered here, leading you to the conclusion that Putin has questions to answer because this is highly likely to have been a state execution.”
Mr Corbyn’s chief adviser Seumas Milne named MI5 as the culprits but 30 Labour MPs have signed an early day motion supporting Mrs May.