“This is a reckless and needless ramping up of tensions by the Russian Government. An attempt to return to the volatile posturing of the Cold War is wholly irresponsible and must condemned by government, and by the international community as a whole.

“The UK Government must redouble its efforts to work with the US and our NATO allies to underline the need for de-escalation with Russia.

“This latest threat highlights how vital it is that the UK Government stops dragging its feet on implementing the recommendations of the Russia Report in full.”