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Hugo Swire summoned the North Korean Ambassador following a launch using ballistic missile technology on 7 February.

Asia Minister Hugo Swire summoned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Ambassador in London, Mr Hyon Hak Bong, to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following a launch using ballistic missile technology on 7 February.

Mr Swire made clear the test was a deliberate violation of a number of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Following the meeting, Asia Minister Hugo Swire said yesterday:

I summoned North Korea’s Ambassador today to make clear in the strongest terms the UK’s condemnation of the launch this weekend. North Korea’s actions continue to present a threat to regional and international security.

I fully support the UN Security Council’s strong condemnation of this launch. This test, even if characterised as a space launch vehicle or launch of a satellite, clearly contributes to North Korea’s development of nuclear weapon delivery systems and is a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

This launch is regrettable evidence that North Korea continues to prioritise the development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes over the well-being of its own people.

The UK is working closely with international partners at the UN to agree a collective response to this latest provocation.

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