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Myanmar: Religious Minority Persecution
08 January 2026
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Seema Malhotra
Tags
DefenceForeign Affairs
Word Count: 12344
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about myanmar: religious minority persecution in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for international condemnation, co-ordination and action to protect vulnerable religious minorities and seeks confirmation on criminal investigations for senior Tatmadaw leaders.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The debate highlights the worsening religious persecution in Myanmar since the military coup of February 2021. Churches, mosques and monasteries have been destroyed or occupied by troops, with over 3.4 million people displaced internally, including 90,000 from Chin state and around 237,200 from Kachin state. Rohingya Muslims remain stateless in Bangladesh, facing further persecution.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Congratulates Jim Shannon on securing the debate, highlighting the importance of defending freedom of religion and belief in Myanmar. Acknowledges the support from MPs across different political groups.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
The citizenship law introduced in 1982 stripped Rohingya Muslims of their citizenship, rendering them stateless. The regime pursues a policy of religious and ethnic cleansing, leading to persecution of religious minorities.
Brendan O’Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Discussed erasing identity and culture in Myanmar due to Burmese nationalism.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Discussed the impact of conflict on education, displacement of Rohingya people, and humanitarian needs following a catastrophic earthquake. Highlighted the need for continued UK support to Myanmar and Bangladesh. Discussed the fragile situation on the border with Bangladesh and highlighted the humanitarian crisis.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlighted contributions from other MPs, emphasized that the junta focuses on race and religious beliefs, and asked if they would step in or if somebody else would if the regime falters.
Luke Akehurst
Lab
North Durham
Committed to human rights advocacy through Burma Campaign UK, highlighting ongoing violence against Christian and Muslim minorities in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021. Acknowledged his involvement in the Burma Campaign and highlighted the humanitarian crisis.
Esher and Walton
The persecution of religious minorities in Myanmar is part of a wider assault on civil society, with tactics first deployed against the Rohingya expanded to target pro-democracy activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and others who refuse to submit to military control. Made a similar point about the international community's failure to highlight the issue seriously.
Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Spoke about the importance of upholding the rights of religious minorities in Myanmar.
Seema Malhotra
Lab
Streatham
Discussed the UK's commitment to religious freedom in Myanmar, addressing humanitarian support and sanctions.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Emphasised the importance of recognising individual human tragedies behind statistics in conflicts like that in Myanmar, urging not to forget those affected. Emphasised that persecution affects all religions, particularly mentioning the plight of the Rohingya.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asked whether the regime is motivated by extreme religion or ultra-nationalism, highlighting persecution linked to identity rather than military necessity. Addressed the motivation behind repression against religious minorities in Myanmar. Asked whether Russia has been most supportive of the regime and if there is an assessment on the survivability of the regime without military support from Russia.
Slough
He highlighted the destruction of churches, imprisonment of clergy, and severe restrictions faced by Muslim communities such as Rohingya and Uyghurs. Emphasized the need for urgent international action to protect these vulnerable groups.
Government Response
Seema Malhotra
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
Emphasised the UK's steadfast commitment to defending religious freedom in Myanmar, highlighting increased humanitarian aid and addressing issues such as sanctions against military personnel.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.