Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Myanmar: Sanctions

Tuesday 20 April 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK secured G7 statements and a UN Security Council presidential statement in response to the military crackdown in Myanmar.
  • The UK is reviewing the process of administering sanctions to ensure they are legally sound and effective.
  • The UK is engaging with other governments in Asia to ensure a united approach to addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Foreign Affairs
Context

Reports of killings and excessive use of force by security forces against people protesting the recent military coup in Myanmar. The situation has led to international condemnation.

Question

What representations have been made to his counterpart in Myanmar on reports of killings and excessive use of force by security forces against protesters? I am concerned about the ongoing violence and need for a strong message from the international community.

Answer from Nigel Adams

The violent crackdown and killing of peaceful protesters in Myanmar are completely unacceptable. The UK secured G7 statements on 3 February and 23 February, as well as a United Nations Security Council presidential statement on 10 March. In response to the military's appalling human rights violations, the UK has imposed sanctions on two key military-linked entities that fund the military's actions and on nine senior military figures, including the commander-in-chief.

Answered
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Q2 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Foreign Affairs
Context

The situation in Myanmar requires a coordinated international response to the military coup, including through the imposition of sanctions.

Question

Can I impress upon him the plight of people in Myanmar and the need for government assistance? Will the Government review the process of administering sanctions which is often slow and difficult? What talks are being held with other Governments, particularly those in Asia, to ensure a united approach?

Answer from Nigel Adams

When we impose sanctions, we must make sure they are done on a properly solid legal basis. The Foreign Secretary recently travelled to Brunei and Indonesia and attended the second United Kingdom-Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting of Foreign Ministers. We made clear our views on the coup in Myanmar and the senseless violence against civilians.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not directly address the need for a review of sanctions or provide specifics about ongoing talks with other governments.

How: We Are Clear That

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Q3 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Foreign Affairs
Context

Medical staff, including the questioner's constituent Dr Thomas Lamb, have faced persecution for treating protesters. The military junta's actions include the use of gunfire and forcible removal of civilians from their homes.

Question

The people of Myanmar need help urgently. My constituent Dr Thomas Lamb has been persecuted for treating peaceful protesters, including arbitrary detention, torture, and death. During his meetings with the Foreign Minister, did he raise killings of over 700 innocent Burmese civilians? Will he join Canada and the Netherlands in formally supporting the Gambia's genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice?

Answer from Nigel Adams

We are completely steadfast in our opposition to the coup. We have demonstrated strong international leadership at the UN Security Council and the G7. Accountability for military acts, both historic and recent, is necessary, including referral to the International Criminal Court.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify whether civilian deaths were raised or if support will be given to the Gambia's case.

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Q4 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK's response has been criticised for lacking strength and urgency. The ASEAN conference was attended by the Foreign Secretary, but no mention of Myanmar in follow-up communications.

Question

The Labour party supports pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar who have shown extraordinary courage resisting military brutality. The UK Government's response lacks both strength and urgency. Why did the tweet after the ASEAN conference not address the situation? Will the Government commit to writing every UN nation asking them to join an arms embargo against Myanmar?

Answer from Nigel Adams

We are clear that countries should not sell arms to the Myanmar military. We played a key role in securing and strengthening an EU arms embargo following the 2017 Rohingya crisis. The Foreign Secretary welcomed ASEAN's unique role in addressing the crisis, in line with the purpose and principles enshrined in the ASEAN charter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify why there was no mention of Myanmar in post-ASEAN communications or commit to writing every UN nation about an arms embargo.

How: We Are Clear That

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