North Korea rocket launch shows threat to international security - Hammond

North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket violates UN Security Council resolutions and shows the country presents a "threat to regional and international security", Philip Hammond said.

The Foreign Secretary condemned the "ballistic missile technology test" and warned that the UN had previously agreed to take "significant measures" against further launches by Pyongyang.

An emergency session of the Security Council has been called in response to the launch, at the request of the US and Japan.

Mr Hammond said: "I strongly condemn North Korea's ballistic missile technology test. This is a clear and deliberate violation of a number of UN Security Council Resolutions. North Korea's actions continue to present a threat to regional and international security.

"In conducting this provocation, North Korea has clearly demonstrated that it is intent on prioritising the development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes over improving the well-being of its own people.

"As North Korea is aware, the UN Security Council unanimously agreed to take significant measures against any further launches or nuclear tests. We will now meet with our partners in New York to agree a collective response."