The test was a "highly irresponsible and provocative act", Beckett said in a statement, adding that "the United Kingdom will be pushing for a robust response under chapter seven of the UN Charter" and "pushing for sanctions against North Korea."

Beckett said the sanctions were already in existence which prevented states transferring missile-related items to or from the DPRK.

"Any new sanctions clearly have to go further than this," said she, adding Britain would "work closely with our partners on the security council in taking forward the international community's response," she said.

"It should be clear to North Korea that it must return to the six-party talks and stop disregarding the concerns of its neighbors and of the international community," said she.

On Monday morning, British Prime Minister Tony Blair condemned the nuclear test, saying it was a "completely irresponsible act".

On Monday, DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency said that the country had conducted an underground nuclear test successfully.