House of Commons · General Debate
31 March 2025 · 7 other contributors
Opened by Catherine West Lab Poplar
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Catherine West raised concerns about myanmar earthquake 2025-03-31 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Expressed condolences and outlined UK's response including £10 million aid package, emphasising that funds will support local partners providing assistance in areas affected by the earthquake. She also mentioned ongoing conflict issues and the need for humanitarian access despite military control.
Asked about specific details of aid packages, quantities provided, multilateral funding spending, contingency planning for aftershocks, border arrangements, safeguarding British aid from being diverted by military regime, deconfliction efforts to protect humanitarian workers, assessment on Rohingya refugees needs, support for Thailand.
Expressed concern over continued airstrikes and ground attacks by Myanmar's military regime during the earthquake disaster. Questioned possibility of aid reaching non-government controlled areas.
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that suggestion. Along with him and the whole House I condemn the actions of the Tatmadaw. We do not have formal relations with the chargé, but I agree with what the right hon. Gentleman has said; the message from this House is very clear.
Can the Minister explain a bit more about the mechanism by which any aid donated in this country will reach people on the ground in Myanmar? Particularly given the airstrikes we have heard about, it is hard to imagine how such aid would get to areas that are currently under attack by the regime.
I thank the right hon. Member for raising that. To be 100% clear, the usual procedure is for the Disasters Emergency Committee... As soon as that is ready, we will let the right hon. Gentleman have the details.
The earthquake in Myanmar could not have come at a worse time, given that millions are already displaced and needing humanitarian assistance as a result of the ongoing civil war since the military coup in 2021. I welcome the Minister’s condemnation of the multiple airstrikes that have taken place since the earthquake and the £10 million of assistance that has been announced. However, numerous charities have come forward with emergency appeals to support those affected, and I have heard some warm words about how we can build on that. Will the UK Government support those appeals—as mentioned by others across this House; we are speaking with one voice—through aid match, so that for every pound donated by members of the public, the Government will contribute a further £1 of UK aid?
I can confirm that that suggestion is under active consideration.
Government Response
Provided additional details on £10 million humanitarian package, mentioned existing ODA funding for Myanmar due to conflict, discussed safeguarding mechanisms, outlined separate strategy for Rohingya refugees, and updated House on consular support in Thailand.