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Myanmar: Human Rights
10 June 2026
Lead MP
Jeremy Hunt
South West Surrey
Con
Responding Minister
Hamish Falconer
Tags
Foreign AffairsBenefits & Welfare
Word Count: 3992
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Jeremy Hunt raised concerns about myanmar: human rights in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr Hunt asks the Government to commit to the Foreign Secretary chairing a high-level meeting at UNGA in September, respond to Tom Andrews' final report, consider invoking article 14 of the Rome statute for an ICC investigation into mass atrocity crimes, and sanction military-controlled banks. I call on the Minister to work with our partners to identify and sanction sources of revenue and arms for the Myanmar military, including jet fuel sector sanctions like those in Canada and EU-US sanctions targeting Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise. We need to join other countries in sanctioning international telecommunications companies that provide revenue to the military and track activists.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr Hunt is concerned about the ongoing civil war and human rights abuses in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021. He highlighted that thousands of people have been killed, over 30,000 arbitrarily detained, and nearly all pro-democracy candidates banned. The country faces daily airstrikes on civilian buildings, arson, torture, sexual violence, and has displaced around 4 million people. The situation in Myanmar has deteriorated significantly since the military coup five years ago, with widespread military abuses leading to 3.6 million internally displaced people and a further 1 million refugees in Bangladesh. The Burmese military are stepping up airstrikes targeting health facilities and civilians, using tactics that include war crimes and crimes against humanity. These atrocities have escalated as the junta seeks to entrench its rule through abusive military operations and stage-managed elections.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester, Gorton
The genocide against Rohingya Muslims is a horrifying example of Islamophobia. Afzal Khan urges the UK to join other nations in imposing sanctions on Myanmar's military-controlled oil and gas enterprises.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Wood Green
Ms West agrees that Myanmar's long-running conflict deserves more attention from the Government relative to other global crises such as Sudan and Gaza. Given the decline in the aid budget, will those commitments remain, or may there have to be a reduction in aid to Myanmar?
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Since the illegal coup, Christian communities face unprecedented violence with reports of churches being bombed via airstrikes. Villages are razed, pastors detained or killed. Jim Shannon urges the Government to support Christians and other persecuted groups in Myanmar. Has the Minister had an opportunity to contact Open Doors and work in partnership with it for everyone's benefit?
Since the last UK sanctions on Myanmar were imposed 591 days ago, there has been a significant increase in airstrikes by the Burmese military. The intervention calls for new sanctions targeting military-owned networks and companies involved in delivering jet fuel and materials.
Government Response
Hamish Falconer
Government Response
I pay tribute to Sir Jeremy Hunt and Rushanara Ali for their work as co-chairs of the all-party parliamentary group on Myanmar. The situation in Myanmar remains grim, with serious human rights violations including airstrikes on civilian areas, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on civic space. More than £80 million has been provided in lifesaving assistance in the past financial year, reaching over 1.4 million people. We will continue to support international accountability mechanisms, engage with faith-based groups, impose sanctions when appropriate, and promote regional engagement through ASEAN. The UK's commitment includes support for Rohingya refugees, with £27 million additional funding announced in September 2025. Sustained pressure, co-ordinated engagement, and targeted support are necessary to reduce harm and advance accountability.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.