Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has called on England to boycott this summer's World Cup if FIFA do not withdraw it from Russia.

The former Liberal Democrat leader is speaking out following the ongoing controversy over the poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has previously hinted at a boycott.

Mr Farron said: “If Russia is guilty of this appalling crime, on top of the information we now have of their state-sponsored interference in democratic elections in the UK, US and elsewhere then we should boycott the World Cup.

“I would call on all our EU and NATO allies to follow suit. Russia's choice to be an international bully must be met with a response that hits them where it really hurts, their pride.

“The World Cup this summer cannot go ahead as if nothing has happened, and civilised democratic peace-loving countries cannot just show up and hand Putin his PR victory.

“I am a football fanatic, I love the World Cup, I am proud that my country has qualified. But we cannot just stand by and let a bully win."