Sanctions on North Korea are essential - Campbell

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Oct 2006

Commenting on reports that North Korea has carried out its first test of a nuclear weapon, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Menzies Campbell said "This represents a major escalation in the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

"A unified response on the part of the United Nations and from North Korea's closest neighbours, particularly China, is vital.

"This is a deliberate provocation which must not go unpunished. Sanctions are essential. These sanctions should target the regime not the North Korean people."