Britain has made clear the seriousness of spy poisoning to U.S.- PM May

LONDON, March 14 (Reuters) - Britain has made the seriousness of the attempted murder of a former spy with nerve agent clear to U.S. officials, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday, and will work with whoever is in the administration to take a tough line on Russia.

May has laid culpability for the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter with Russia, though Russia denies involvement.

She (Munich: SOQ.MU - news) was asked about the response of ex-U.S. administration official Rex Tillerson to the incident. He had joined Britain in saying Russia was likely responsible for the poisoning, just hours before he lost his job as U.S. Secretary of State.

"We are leaving our American colleagues in no doubt about the seriousness of this issue," May told parliament.

"Mr Tillerson did indeed give robust comments after this incident took place, and I am sure we will be working with his replacement to ensure that America is one of those allies who stand alongside us." (Reporting by Costas Pitas; writing by Alistair Smout)