Russian TV channel unveils names of 6 UK diplomats stripped of accreditation in Russia

MOSCOW. Sept 13 (Interfax) - The Rossiya 24 (VGTRK) television channel has shown photos and revealed the names of six UK diplomats whose accreditation in Russia was revoked based on materials provided by the Federal Security Service (FSB).

These UK embassy employees have been identified by the TV channel as Jessica Davenport, Grace Elvin, Callum Andrew Duff, Katharine Mcdonnell, Thomas John Hickson and Blake Patel.

"Britons are not taking any notice of the hints that this practice [espionage activities in Russia] must be stopped. Therefore, we have decided to expel these six for a start," an FSB officer told Rossiya 24.

The decision to revoke their accreditation means that these embassy employees will automatically be expelled from Russia, it said.

The FSB said earlier on Friday that, based on the recently obtained documents, it had revoked the accreditation of six UK diplomats "whose actions showed signs of espionage and sabotage activity."