Britain condemns ‘reprehensible’ Russian conduct

LONDON accused Moscow of “reprehensible” conduct yesterday after the British Council suspended the operation of Russian offices following a secret police crackdown on the cultural body.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Moscow was deploying Cold War-style tactics and branded its actions a “stain on Russia’s reputation and standing” as he voiced London’s “anger and dismay”.

The British Council — which promotes cultural and educational links — earlier said the Russian authorities had made it impossible for it to operate in two of its three offices in the country.