Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce targeted sanctions against (1) Myanmar’s generals, and (2) enterprises owned by the Myanmar military.

As I informed the house on 25th of February, The UK is looking at a range of measures to target those responsible for serious human rights violations in Myanmar. Working with partners, including the US and Canada, we have sanctioned 9 military officers, including the Commander-in-Chief, for their role in the coup. Prior to the coup, the UK had already imposed targeted sanctions on 16 individuals for human rights violations in Myanmar.

We remain committed to the principle of 'do no harm' with sanctions, and therefore wish to ensure that any measures balance the risk of disproportionately affecting poor people in Myanmar and imposing a cost on the military. In addition as set out in the written ministerial statement of 25 February we are reviewing our approach to Trade and Investment in Myanmar, and while that review takes place have suspended all trade promotion activity. The Foreign Secretary and the International Trade Secretary are writing to British Companies active in Myanmar to make clear our expectation that they do nothing to support the military.