The prime minister is today continuing a tour of key Asian states.

But Tony Blair is set to face fresh difficulties following the discovery of the body of Ministry of Defence scientist Dr David Kelly.

The issue dominated a press conference held following a meeting between the UK premier and his Japanese counterpart Junichiro Koizumi.

And the Conservative leader has suggested that the prime minister's entire trip should be cut short.

"There are very many questions that need to be answered over the coming days," Iain Duncan Smith said on Friday.

"I think if I were the prime minister I would want to be back here."

But while a new domestic crisis forces its way on to the prime minister's agenda, Blair will also be focussing on other issues.

There will be key talks on the growing nuclear threat posed to the region by North Korea.

The prime minister will be travelling on to South Korea, China and Hong Kong.