Features July 28, 2007, 2:18

Human angle of diplomatic expulsions

The four Russian diplomats, expelled by Britain in a stand-off over Litvinenko case have now left the country. Their four British counterparts, who are being sent home from Moscow in retaliation, are due to leave in a few days’ time. While tensions between Russia and Britain are the worst in years, the countries share a history of reciprocal expulsions dating back to the Cold War.