Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the objectives are of UK policy on North Korea. [56677]

Mr Jeremy Browne MP; Minister of State: The UK shares the widely-held international objective of a North Korea which does not pose a threat to regional or global security, and adheres to international law and conventions, including on human rights.

To achieve this, the UK pursues a policy of critical engagement. We support international efforts towards a complete and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, through sanctions and talks between relevant parties. We also have diplomatic relations with North Korea. Such engagement enables us to raise difficult issues, which is important particularly during times of heightened tension. It also allows us to carry out a programme of humanitarian projects and English Language Teacher Training.