‘Deeply concerned’ UK following situation in S.Korea: govt

The UK government urged Britons to avoid political demonstrations in South Korea and said it was following the situation there after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law Tuesday.

“That is a very fast-moving situation and, as you would expect, we are closely monitoring developments in South Korea,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s deputy spokesperson told reporters.

“We would advise all British nationals to monitor the UK’s travel advice for updates and follow the advice of local authorities,” he added.

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On Tuesday, the foreign ministry updated its travel for South Korea, warning British nationals to “follow the advice of local authorities and avoid political demonstrations”.

Catherine West, a junior foreign minister with responsibility for the Indo-Pacific, said Britain was “deeply concerned” by Tuesday’s events.

“We call for a peaceful resolution to the situation, in accordance with the law and the constitution of the Republic of Korea,” she added.

Yoon’s shock announcement was South Korea’s first declaration of martial law in more than 40 years.

He said he was acting to protect the country from “threats” posed by North Korea and accused the opposition of being “anti-state forces”.