The author is barking up the wrong tree.

The Russian poisoning issue is handled by International Law rather than the UK domestic "rule of law".

MORE DETAIL

So the expulsion of 23 Russian intelligence officers under diplomatic cover has been followed by Russia’s expulsion of 23 British diplomats http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43440992 .

Their expulsion becomes effective through removing diplomatic status through persona non grata(ing). Called “PNGing” in the trade http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persona_non_grata#Diplomacy.

That legal remedy is centred on ARTICLE 9 OF THE VIENNA CONVENTION ON DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS not UK domestic law.

Thanks, John, for clarifying a phrase which is misused. I suggest that this could because of the constant changes taking place in the use of English. Your article revolves around the way an expression of meaning has varied from its inception to its present convenient style. Perhaps because our language is so diverse is why so few have the chance to become familiar with the correct use of all of its phrases. This is the reason why I thank you for explaining the difference between "breaching the law" and "being exempt from the rules of the law".

Still, the whole concept is unjust:

The problem is that some people assert power over others.

Those in power can simply legislate for everyone, including themselves, to behave as they (the legislators) already do: the fact that the laws which they make happen to affect themselves as well, provides no comfort to the victims of their laws.