British PM seeks EU backing on spy attack

– Trade, Facebook talks –

Britain is understood to be seeking unified backing from the EU at this stage rather than fresh sanctions on Russia — and in any case, it would take time for EU officials to prepare new measures.

It is understood that British officials have also been pressing European allies to follow London’s lead with their own expulsions of Russian diplomats.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker caused fury among British MEPs this week for what they called the “nauseating” letter he sent to Putin congratulating him on his re-election.

Tusk, who often takes a tough line on Russia, said Wednesday he said that he was “not in the mood to celebrate president Putin’s reappointment”.

Aside from Salisbury, the two-day summit will also address the trade spat with the US after President Donald Trump announced steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

The EU is lobbying Washington for an exemption but has lined up retaliatory measures, triggering fears of an all-out transatlantic trade war.

The leaders will also discuss a scandal over harvested data from Facebook used by a British consulting firm employed by Trump’s 2016 campaign team. Tusk said this was “particularly relevant” in the light of broader threats such as election meddling.

May will depart the summit on Thursday evening, leaving the remaining 27 on Friday to approve a post-Brexit transition period and adopt guidelines for talks on future relations including a trade deal.