Theresa May launches attack on Russian election 'meddling'

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has launched major criticism towards Russian president Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin for meddling in elections and its role in spreading 'fake news'.

During a speech given in front of business leaders at an event in London on Monday, May said Putin and members of his government were attempting to “sow discord in the West” with their actions in recent years.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that the Kremlin had interfered in last year’s presidential election, something that victor Donald Trump has fervently denied.

"Russia has repeatedly violated the national airspace of several European countries and mounted a sustained campaign of cyber espionage and disruption,” May told the banquet.

"This has included meddling in elections and hacking the Danish Ministry of Defence and the Bundestag among many others."

The PM vowed to defend the interests of the UK and its allies if there were any further provocation from Russia in the future.

“I have a very simple message for Russia. We know what you are doing. And you will not succeed. Because you underestimate the resilience of our democracies, the enduring attraction of free and open societies, and the commitment of western nations to the alliances that bind us.

Foreign secretary Boris Johnson is due to visit Russia for the first time in December, and has said that the UK must “beware but engage” following years of strained relations between it and the West.