Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the coup d’état which took place in Myanmar on 1 February, and (2) its potential impact on (a) the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, and (b) the process of democratisation in that country.

The UK condemns the military coup in Myanmar and the detention of civil society and members of the elected government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. These latest events are an attempt by the military to obstruct democracy and are a significant setback to the democratic reform process. The November 2020 election result must be respected.

The UK is concerned about the risk of violence targeted at ethnic minorities across the country. The UK is closely monitoring the situation and working with our partners to ensure lifesaving humanitarian assistance continues, including for religious and ethnic minorities.