UK to open five new embassies

Britain is to open five new embassies and send more diplomats to China, India and Brazil under a multi-million-pound plan to secure new trading ties with emerging powers.

Foreign Secretary William Hague will today announce to Parliament his plans to send ambassadors to new posts in El Salvador, Kyrgyzstan, South Sudan - and when it is judged safe - Somalia and Madagascar.

About 80 staff will be sent to bolster Britain's work in Brazil, China and India - some reassigned from downgraded European missions, an official said.

Britain plans to scale back almost all of its European posts outside capitals, meaning many staff based in cities including Munich, Milan and Barcelona will be deployed elsewhere.