UK Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Hugo Swire has expressed concern over the impact of border blockages, while urging Nepal government to provide required leadership for reconstruction.

Swire had called Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamal Thapa, on 19 November, according to a British Embassy statement issued on Wednesday.

“Mr Swire expressed his serious concerns about the impact of the border blockages  on the supply and distribution of humanitarian assistance in Nepal,” the statement said. “He urged the Government of Nepal to provide the leadership required for the reconstruction process.” 

The statement also warned of a risk of “second humanitarian crisis” if the situation is not resolved quickly.

Swire assured Foreign Minister Thapa of the UK’s continued support and friendship for the people of Nepal, expressing hope of ‘dialogue and compromise that meets the needs of all citizens’, the statement said.