Downing Street lobby briefing on Salisbury ex-spy attack and accusations of a devolution 'power grab'
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A spokesman for Theresa May today said the nerve agent attack on ex-spy Sergei Skripal was "an appalling and reckless crime".
"The PM has been updated by officials throughout this and continues to be so. It is clear that this was an appalling and reckless crime and the public will rightly want those responsible to be identified and held to account. But it is important that we avoid speculation and allow the police and others to rigorously establish the full facts. As the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary have made clear our response to those who are found to be responsible will be robust and if I could add the Prime Minister wishes to again send her personal thanks to the police and the emergency services for the typical courage they have shown in responding to this attack. She would also like to thank the people of Salisbury for their help and support in recent days."
The spokesman suggested the current law allowed for a robust response if the attack turns out to be state-led.
"The criminal finances act contains a number of measures which do significantly improve the ability to recover criminal assets and that included extending the existing civil recovery regime and the proceeds of crime act to allow for recovery of the proceeds of gross human rights abuses or violations overseas where the property is held in the UK."
Ahead of a meeting of the joint ministerial council of national leaders - and claims Brexit is being used as a 'power grab' on powers coming back to the UK after Brexit - the spokesman said:
"There has been an ongoing dialogue on this. In recent weeks and in recent days obviously a lot of hard work has been ongoing into reaching an agreement I would hope and expect some further progress to be made this afternoon... I would absolutely refute the narrative of a power grab. Our track record on devolution is proven and our focus is on finding a way forward that respects and strengthens the devolution settlements. We have always been clear that we expect a significant increase in powers for the devolved administrations."
