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Diplomat children to return to UK | Diplomat children to return to UK |
(20 minutes later) | |
Children of UK diplomats and staff based in Islamabad are to be withdrawn from Pakistan following the bombing at the capital city's Marriott hotel. | |
Following a security review the Foreign Office said about 60 children, all aged under eight, would be affected. | |
The suicide bombing on 20 September killed 53 people and injured 266. | The suicide bombing on 20 September killed 53 people and injured 266. |
The move brings the British High Commission into line with Canada and Australia who also have a no-children policy for diplomats in Pakistan. | |
The US, Netherlands and Denmark all have a no-dependents policy. | The US, Netherlands and Denmark all have a no-dependents policy. |
The core work of the High Commission will not be affected Foreign Office BA halts flights after hotel bombSix Britons hurt in hotel blast | |
The move comes after British Airways suspended "indefinitely" flights to and from Pakistan in the wake of the attack. | The move comes after British Airways suspended "indefinitely" flights to and from Pakistan in the wake of the attack. |
The company said six services a week from Heathrow were being stopped "in light of the current security situation". | The company said six services a week from Heathrow were being stopped "in light of the current security situation". |
'Strong relationship' | |
A little-known militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which left six Britons - including two children of diplomats - with injuries. | A little-known militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which left six Britons - including two children of diplomats - with injuries. |
In a statement, the Foreign Office said partners and spouses would also be offered the opportunity to return to the UK. | |
It said: "The core work of the High Commission will not be affected. | |
"The UK is committed to maintaining its strong relationship with Pakistan, especially at this difficult time. | |
"The attack on the Marriott Hotel reinforces our shared determination to tackle violent extremism." | |
The Foreign Office added it was continuing to advise British nationals against non-essential travel to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar "in view of the heightened threat to Westerners" in the cities. | |
It said: "We also advise against using major international hotels which are frequented by Westerners at this time." | |
The families of British diplomats left Islamabad amid heightened security after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US but were later allowed to return. | |
There are no dependents of diplomats at the British High Commission in Iraq or Afghanistan. |