Britain's new Defense Minister raised eyebrows on March 15, when following an official speech, he replied to a reporter's question on Britain's actions in relation to the case of the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal:
"What we will do is look at what Russia responds to what we have done. It's absolutely atrocious what Russia did in Salisbury. We have responded to that. Frankly, Russia should go away and should shut up. But if they do respond to the action we have taken, we will considerate it carefully and we will look at our options but it would be wrong to prejudge our response."
Commentators on Twitter reacted swiftly, criticizing Williamson for his inadequate and "childish" commentary on the ongoing political and diplomatic confrontation between Britain and Russia.