Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL701):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to cut the flow of (1) funds, and (2) arms, to the government of Myanmar. (HL701)
Tabled on: 07 June 2022
Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
Since the coup, we have worked quickly with partners to impose targeted sanctions against those who fund and arm the military, including military-linked businesses and procurement bodies in the Ministry of Defence. Most recently, on 16 June 2022, we announced our eleventh round of designations, targeting Russian and Myanmar arms dealers. We have also suspended trade promotion, strengthened advice to businesses and undertaken a rigorous review of our aid programme to ensure that no funds go to the military regime. We continue to encourage other countries to take similar measures.
The UK is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo on Myanmar. We are clear that countries should not sell arms to the Myanmar military. On 27 March, the UK coordinated a joint statement with 48 signatories that committed us to working to prevent the flow of arms and equipment to the Myanmar military. We have also worked with partners to secure strong language on stopping the flow of arms at the G7, UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council.
Date and time of answer: 21 Jun 2022 at 17:13.
====================================================================
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL697):
Question by LordAlton of Liverpool:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to urge the government of Myanmar to reverse the death sentences for Phyo Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy. (HL697)
Tabled on: 07 June 2022
Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
The UK is deeply concerned by reports that the military regime has sentenced pro-democracy activists, including Phyo Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy, to death. Both Minister Milling, and the British Embassy in Yangon, have made it clear that the UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances. We once again call on the military regime to respect human rights and the rule of law. We continue to use all available fora, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), to raise these concerns. On 8 December 2021, the UK secured a UNSC Press Statement condemning the sentencing of prisoners and calling for the release of all those in arbitrary detention.
Date and time of answer: 21 Jun 2022 at 17:12.
========================================================================
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL702):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what engagement they have had with the exiled National Unity Government of Myanmar; and what plans they have to recognise it as the legitimate representative of the people of Myanmar. (HL702)
Tabled on: 07 June 2022
Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
We have strong links with the National Unity Government (NUG). Minister Milling met with Dr Zaw Wai Soe, the NUG’s Minister for Health and Education on 24th May. Dr Zaw Wai Soe also met with other Ministers, Parliamentarians and Officials during his trip to the UK. During the meeting, Minister Milling emphasised the UK’s condemnation of the coup and highlighted our ongoing efforts to respond to the crisis. Minister Milling also spoke to Daw Zin Mar Aung, the NUG’s Foreign Minister on 7 March. The NUG is an important voice for many people in Myanmar and we strongly support all those calling for a return to democracy.
The UK has a longstanding policy and practice, held by successive British Governments, of according recognition to States not Governments.
Date and time of answer: 21 Jun 2022 at 17:11.
