The British government is preparing to expel 34 Russian diplomats from the country, according to The Mail on Sunday newspaper. The article claims Britain’s Security Service, MI-5, has drawn up a list of suspected foreign agents, including at least 34 dipl

According to Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Moscow isn't taking seriously the reports.

If true, it will be the second expulsion of Russian diplomats since last July.

Then, four Russian embassy staff were told to leave London after Moscow, citing the country's constitution, refused to extradite Andrey Lugovoy.

The businessman is seen by Britain as the main suspect in the murder of former Russian security officer Aleksandr Litvinenko in November 2006.

The newspaper says the possible expulsion now is being planned in response to the recent suspension of British Council branches' operations in Russian regions.

The Russian Foreign Ministry told the organisation to stop working, saying it didn't have legal permission – a request ignored by the Council, which said it had always operated within the law.

However, the regional offices halted their activities a few days ago claiming their Russian staff had been interviewed by security services.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Thursday Britain is not going to take any action in response to the British Council affair.