Menu
09/10/2006
North Korea condemned over nuclear test
North Korea's announcement that it has carried out its first nuclear test has been greeted with criticism.
Prime Minister Tony Blair branded the test was "irresponsible". He said: "The international community has repeatedly urged them to refrain from both missile testing and nuclear testing.
"This further act of defiance shows North Korea's disregard for the concerns of its neighbours and the wider international community."
According to reports, the test was carried out around 0230 BST and was hailed by North Korea as a complete success.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said that she was "horrified" by the reports and said that the international community would have to take "very, very careful stock."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that the introductions of sanctions were essential. He said: "This represents a major escalation in the proliferation of nuclear weapons. A unified response on the part of the United Nations and from North Korea's closest neighbours, particularly China, is vital.
"This is a deliberate provocation which must not go unpunished. Sanctions are essential. These sanctions should target the regime, not the North Korean people."
The test has also been criticised by both the US and China.
(KMcA/SP)
Prime Minister Tony Blair branded the test was "irresponsible". He said: "The international community has repeatedly urged them to refrain from both missile testing and nuclear testing.
"This further act of defiance shows North Korea's disregard for the concerns of its neighbours and the wider international community."
According to reports, the test was carried out around 0230 BST and was hailed by North Korea as a complete success.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said that she was "horrified" by the reports and said that the international community would have to take "very, very careful stock."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that the introductions of sanctions were essential. He said: "This represents a major escalation in the proliferation of nuclear weapons. A unified response on the part of the United Nations and from North Korea's closest neighbours, particularly China, is vital.
"This is a deliberate provocation which must not go unpunished. Sanctions are essential. These sanctions should target the regime, not the North Korean people."
The test has also been criticised by both the US and China.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 December 2006
PM unveils nuclear weapons plans
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the Commons that the UK's current Trident missile system will have to be replaced. Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Blair said that the decision to maintain the government's independent nuclear power deterrent was "fully consistent with all our international obligations".
PM unveils nuclear weapons plans
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the Commons that the UK's current Trident missile system will have to be replaced. Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Blair said that the decision to maintain the government's independent nuclear power deterrent was "fully consistent with all our international obligations".
18 February 2004
Pregnancy test kit reports 'false negatives'
It is thought that hundreds of women tested for pregnancy in the UK inside the last 12 weeks may have been incorrectly told they are not pregnant. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said a problem had recently been identified with the SAS One Step pregnancy test kits.
Pregnancy test kit reports 'false negatives'
It is thought that hundreds of women tested for pregnancy in the UK inside the last 12 weeks may have been incorrectly told they are not pregnant. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said a problem had recently been identified with the SAS One Step pregnancy test kits.
31 August 2004
North Korea to receive UK's first Ministerial visitor
North Korea's nuclear programme and their human rights record will top the agenda when Bill Rammell visits the country next month in the first-ever trip by a British minister to the communist nation. High-level discussions with North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun, and other senior figures, are planned.
North Korea to receive UK's first Ministerial visitor
North Korea's nuclear programme and their human rights record will top the agenda when Bill Rammell visits the country next month in the first-ever trip by a British minister to the communist nation. High-level discussions with North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun, and other senior figures, are planned.
30 August 2011
Exclusive: UN Says Nuclear Test Ban 'Priority'
The UN Secretary General has called on states that have yet to sign up to the ban on nuclear testing to make it their "priority". In a 4NI.co.uk exclusive, Damien Whinnery, writes that Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday that voluntary moratoriums on nuclear weapon tests are not enough.
Exclusive: UN Says Nuclear Test Ban 'Priority'
The UN Secretary General has called on states that have yet to sign up to the ban on nuclear testing to make it their "priority". In a 4NI.co.uk exclusive, Damien Whinnery, writes that Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday that voluntary moratoriums on nuclear weapon tests are not enough.
01 August 2003
North Korea agrees to 'six-way talks' over nuclear row
North Korea has agreed to hold talks with South Korea in an attempt to assuage growing fears that its nuclear power pretensions will destabilise the region. The talks, also to be attended by the US, Japan, Russia and China, will most likely take place in Beijing.
North Korea agrees to 'six-way talks' over nuclear row
North Korea has agreed to hold talks with South Korea in an attempt to assuage growing fears that its nuclear power pretensions will destabilise the region. The talks, also to be attended by the US, Japan, Russia and China, will most likely take place in Beijing.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
