Britain and Russia have each expelled a diplomat from their respective embassies in a row over spying, it has emerged.

The allegation of spying was made by British officials on December 10 in response to “activities by Russian intelligence services against UK interests”.

Russia responded on December 16 by asking for the removal of a British diplomat in Moscow. Britain was adamant there had been no untoward activity by its diplomat.

In a written statement to the House of Commons, Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “On 10 December we requested that the Russian Embassy in London withdraw a member of their staff from the UK.

“This was in response to clear evidence of activities by the Russian intelligence services against UK interests. “Russia responded on 16 December by requesting the removal of a member of our embassy staff in Moscow. We reject any basis for this action.

“Both staff members have now been withdrawn.

“We remain open to a more productive relationship with Russia, as with any other country, on the basis of respect for our laws.”