MPs from across the political spectrum staged a rare display of total partisan unity, collectively demanding that the British government escalate sanctions, pursue international justice, and protect humanitarian aid sent into Myanmar, says DVB in its report of the Westminster Hall debate. The government’s defensive response drew swift, scathing condemnation from civil society leaders observing the proceedings from the gallery.
Anna Roberts, Executive Director of Burma Campaign UK, said. “Minister Hamish Falconer was forced to respond by listing ‘golden oldies’ of the things the Foreign Office did in the past, talking from the sidelines about not being on the sidelines. Given the cross-party support for stronger action… the lethargy from the Foreign Office as airstrikes and the death toll increases is inexplicable.”