NORTH KOREA NUKE THREAT TO UK

Defence Secretary says despot’s missiles are danger to UK

SIR Michael Fallon insists Kim Jong-un’s nuclear weapons programme must be ended now – or the despot could soon attack Britain.

The Defence Secretary stressed the need for a rapid diplomatic solution to the North Korea crisis by saying war must be avoided “at all costs”.

Kim’s threats have been directed at the US but Fallon warned that Britain is in grave danger too.

He said: “This involves us. London is closer to North Korea and its missiles than Los Angeles.”

London is 5380 miles from Pyongyang, LA is almost 6000 miles away. Kim has boasted his weapons can reach the whole of the US mainland but experts disagree on how far the missiles can travel.

Fallon said he is “very concerned” as North Korea’s weapons tests continue to escalate.

Quizzed on whether the bombs could hit London, Fallon replied: “Not yet. The range is getting longer and longer and we have to get this programme halted.”

He warned the dangers of a miscalculation or accident that might trigger World War III are “extremely great”.

Fallon said efforts were ongoing at the UN to ensure sanctions bring Kim to heel.

A senior Whitehall source has revealed ministers have been taken aback by the speed at which North Korea’s nuclear missile programme has developed. The insider added: “Britain has to be engaged in seeking a diplomatic solution to this crisis. This isn’t something we can just sit out.”

It comes days after Pyongyang claimed to have exploded a hydrogen bomb capable of being delivered on an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Pictures have emerged of Kim during a celebration for scientists who worked on the recent test. His wife Ri Sol-ju, making a rare public appearance, was at his side.

North Korea also recently fired a rocket over Japan. The US are staging war drills in the region.

The range is getting longer ... London is closer to North Korea than Los Angeles is FALLON