Johnson hints German reliance on Russian gas could affect Ukraine response

Prime minister tells MPs Britain will push for tough package' of economic sanctions if invasion happens

Boris Johnson has hinted that Germany may be concerned about the imposition of sanctions against Russia because of its dependence on Russian gas and told MPs diplomatic efforts are being made to persuade Berlin and others to go further.

The British prime minister said that European friends" had concerns about imposing the toughest possible sanctions on Russia if it invades Ukraine because of their heavy dependence" on Russian gas - and also declared the UK would be willing to deploy more troops to eastern Europe if Ukraine was attacked.