CONCERNS about the US's handling of the North Korea crisis have been raised by a Wharfedale MP.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) challenged Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson over the issue in the House of Commons on Tuesday, September 5.

Quoting from a tweet by US President Donald Trump, which referred to South Korea's 'appeasement' of the North, Mr Sobel asked: "Is that our approach? Are we saying that the approach of regional nations such as South Korea amounts to appeasement?"

Noting that Mr Trump’s tweet also seemed to refer to military action - by claiming that North Korea 'only understand one thing' - he added: "Are we pressing all the other options on the United States?"

Mr Johnston replied: "It is not so much that we are pressing all the options on the United States - though of course we are - but that those are the options that the United States itself massively prefers and wants to bring about."

Commenting afterwards, Mr Sobel said: "I’m very concerned about the language Donald Trump is using and how it could inflame the situation further.

"The UK Government needs to use its influence to find other options, for example by using the UN security council to put pressure on China and to restart the six-nations talks."

*Mr Sobel, back in the Commons following the summer Parliamentary recess, later the same day also attended the presentation of the School Holidays (Meals and Activities) Bill.

The bill, which he has signed, aims to tackle the problem of children in poorer families going hungry during the holidays. He said: "It is a disgrace that in 21st Century Britain we are still talking about child poverty.

"There are more and more families who are really struggling during the school holidays, when there are no meals available through school.

"I hope Theresa May and the Government will do the right thing and back this bill."