Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with the Bangladesh Government on providing refugees from Rakhine State, Myanmar, with safe passage and aid on their arrival in Bangladesh.

I’ve spoken to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary and reiterated the UK’s commitment to relieve the plight of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The issue is a complex one, but the UK has not shied away from its responsibility and we are working closely with the Government of Bangladesh to provide life-saving assistance to thousands of displaced men, women and children. Our initial support is already enabling food to reach 65,000 refugees, health care for 50,000, and emergency shelter for more than 26,000. We are also supporting 7,500 children, many of whom are at risk of sexual violence and trafficking.