Tory former Foreign Office minister Lord Howell of Guildford said the full engagement of China was absolutely key to this "incredibly dangerous situation" and the UK could play a

"useful intermediary" role. While Lady Anelay added Mr Johson was meeting Chinese representatives later today - and had already held important discussions with China. Challenged

about consulting Parliament over any possible military action, she said the US had made clear it was not seeking military action but installing a defensive missile system in South Korea. She

said the US was seeking a "peaceful resolution", adding: "They want to bring North Korea to its senses, not to its knees."