London, Dec 6 (DPA) The British government Tuesday condemned the coup in Fiji as "wholly unconstitutional" and said it had suspended all military assistance following the overthrow of the civilian government.

Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said the British government had put in place contingency plans to "protect the expatriate community should the security situation deteriorate."

The coup, led by army chief Commander Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama, had been a "major setback to the process of democracy in Fiji," Beckett said in a statement.

"It has damaged Fiji's economy, international reputation, as well as its relations with the international community."

"These actions are wholly unconstitutional: the military should not have become involved in the political process. I strongly urge Commander Bainimarama to return Fiji to democracy as quickly as possible."

"As a result of this action, the UK is taking steps to suspend immediately bilateral military assistance to Fiji and is considering further measures with both EU and Commonwealth partners."

Britain has no troops in Fiji and the Ministry of Defence indicated that it had been engaged in a "very, very modest programme of defence assistance."

Earlier, Prime Minister Tony Blair condemned the overnight developments in Fiji and said his government was in close touch with Australia, New Zealand and France on the issue.