LONDON (AP) — Britain’s foreign secretary says “our options are open” on stronger measures against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, despite a leaked document seeming to suggest the U.K. had ruled out economic sanctions.
London is a key hub for Russian investment, which may make officials reluctant to impose sanctions that would halt the flow of money.
A government briefing document photographed as an adviser carried it on Monday said Britain “should not support, for now, trade sanctions … or close London’s financial center to Russians,” but would support visa restrictions and travel bans.
Foreign Secretary William Hague told lawmakers on Tuesday that the document “should not be taken as a guide to the views of the foreign secretary” or the decisions of the government. He said: “Our options remain open.”
