Britain closes North Korean embassy amid coronavirus restrictions

27 May 2020, 18:36 | Updated: 1 September 2020, 10:04

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Picture: PA

By Ewan Somerville

Britain has closed its embassy in North Korea and ordered its diplomats to leave the country in a response to the regime's coronavirus restrictions.

The Foreign Office said the decision came after "restrictions on entry to the country have made it impossible to rotate our staff and sustain the operation of the Embassy."

The move follows a similar evacuation in March by Germany and France of their adjacent embassies in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un maintains that the country has not recorded a single case of Covid-19, but analysts doubt this given its proximity to China.

The NK News website reported on Wednesday that the UK diplomats left the DPRK by its border with China, with flights still grounded.

Hundreds of foreign tourists and aid workers remain in North Korea but the Foreign Office said no British citizens are known to be there currently.

The country has effectively placed its citizens under house-arrest amid the pandemic and closed its borders, which saw North Korea reportedly reject a UK Government request for a rescue flight to land in February.

Listen & subscribe: Global Player | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “The UK has temporarily closed its embassy in Pyongyang and our staff have departed the country.

"This decision has been made because the DPRK restrictions on entry to the country have made it impossible to rotate our staff and sustain the operation of the Embassy.

“We maintain diplomatic relations with the DPRK and will seek to re-establish our presence in Pyongyang as soon as we are able to return to smooth Embassy operations. Colin Crooks remains our Ambassador to the DPRK.”

The UK Government has advised against all but essential travel to North Korea since August 2017 amid a growing clampdown on liberty in the country.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

A man pulls a cart loaded with jerrycans and plastic bottles with water after collecting it at a camp for displaced people in Deir al-Balah, Gaza

At least 67 killed waiting for aid in Gaza - as Israel issues evacuation order ahead of ground offensive

Ukraine has offered fresh ceasefire talks to Russia

Ukraine proposes fresh ceasefire talks to Russia after weeks of missile strikes

A damaged convenience store building is seen after heavy rains in Gapyeong, South Korea

14 dead and 12 missing after landslides and flash floods hit South Korea

There have been almost daily reports of Palestinians being killed near aid sites since the GHF began operations

Dozens of Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire near aid sites in Gaza

At least 27 have died after a boat capsized in Vietnam.

At least 34 dead and scores missing after Vietnam tourist boat capsizes

Poland, Warsaw Chopin airport

Poland investigating 'potential sabotage' after technical fault with air traffic control system

Around 30 people have been injured after a vehicle ploughed into a crown in Los Angeles

Los Angeles nightclub crash which left 30 injured may have been intentional, police say

Patrick Howlett, 58

Man who sent £56,000 to Philippines for livestreamed sexual abuse of children jailed for 30 years

The explosion happened at Biscailuz Center Academy Training.

At least three people killed in 'horrific incident' at Los Angeles sheriff training facility

Russian President Vladimir Putin

UK sanctions Russian spies at heart of Putin's regime over ‘campaign to destabilise Europe’

x

Daredevil Felix Baumgartner ‘died in mid air’ before crashing into hotel worker in front of horrified witnesses

Shortly before his death, the sporting sensation posted a video to social media showing himself paragliding in circles over a field.

Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash in Italy

Russia's President Vladimir Putin

Russia could launch 'preventative strikes' on the West if 'necessary', Putin ally warns

Wounded Palestinians, including Father Jebrail Romanelli, are brought to Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital after an Israeli attack targeted the Holy Family Church in eastern Gaza City.

Two worshippers dead after Israeli tank fire hits church in Gaza as Pope Leo calls for immediate ceasefire

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal is thought to have been suffering from mental health problems

Air India captain 'cut off' fuel before fatal crash, US officials say

Wilawan Emsawat has been arrested for allegedly having sex with monks and blackmailing them

Thai woman filmed herself having sex with Buddhist monks and blackmailed them