The UK government have promised that Assange, who is wanted in Sweden on sexual assault charges, will not be granted safe passage out of the country.

Mr Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy since June, after it was revealed he was facing extradition. The diplomatic row has now intensified since Ecuador told him that he would be allowed political asylum, despite talks to try and overcome this situation.

Ecuador's Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino told the BBC that they will find legal alternatives to grant Mr Assange safe passage.

He added, "We don't think it is reasonable that, after a sovereign government has made the decision of granting political asylum, a citizen is forced to live in an embassy for a long period.”

Mr Assange claims that he will not return to face the charges in Sweden because they are politically motivated. Julian Assange became a household name internationally after his Wikileaks websites published confidential and private diplomatic communication, to the intense embarrassment of several governments.

The Swedish foreign ministry strongly deny the 41-year-old Australian’s claims, saying the sexual assault charge is the only reason the extradition has been requested.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the government are committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but that this may take “considerable time”.