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Department: Department for International Development

David Burrowes

Main Page: David Burrowes (Conservative - Enfield, Southgate)

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Speaker’s Statement

Oral Answers to Questions

David Burrowes Excerpts

Tributes to Charles Kennedy
Wednesday 3rd June 2015

(9 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Desmond Swayne Portrait Mr Swayne
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Yes, and a director general of DFID is in Rakhine state as we speak, and we take every opportunity to push forward these matters.

David Burrowes Portrait Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con)
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Surely, the plight of thousands of Rohingya people adrift in the bay of Bengal must call for greater leadership from not only the United Nations but the United Kingdom. Should we ensure not only that we make representations in meetings with ambassadors but that our taxpayers’ aid and access to our diplomatic doors are made contingent on ensuring proper recognition of the Rohingya and full respect of human rights?

Desmond Swayne Portrait Mr Swayne
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Absolutely. I have taken every opportunity to raise this matter with Burmese Ministers. My caution with respect to my hon. Friend’s suggested course of action is that I am not prepared to withdraw British aid from poor people simply because of the regime under which they suffer.

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