Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his policy is on the military regime in Myanmar; and for what reason representatives of that regime have had recent meetings with Ministers.

The UK's position on Myanmar, and our engagement with the Myanmar authorities has not changed. We continue to urge all parties to protect civilians and call on the Myanmar authorities to end airstrikes against civilians, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and release all those arbitrarily detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

As Myanmar is an ASEAN member, its representatives may attend ASEAN meetings and events. UK Ministers attend these forums to engage regional partners and support ASEAN-led efforts to address the crisis, not to confer legitimacy on the Myanmar authorities. Attendance at such events should not be interpreted as acceptance of the military's actions or a normalisation of relations.