The UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has said the evacuations of UK nationals from Sudan are under way as the first flight took off on Tuesday, adding that the government was studying alternative routes for the safe exit of UK nationals in case of disruption. 'We can't guarantee the long-term sustainability of the airfield we are currently using, so we are also exploring and standing up other alternative routes,' said Sunak.

The prime minister added that the UK was working with its international partners to bring about a durable ceasefire in Sudan with the broader aim of returning civilian rule. 'That is the best solution to avoid more humanitarian impact,' he added.

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