Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to begin negotiations with representatives of the National Unity Government (NUG) in Myanmar with a view to giving it official recognition; how they intend to respond to the request sent by the NUG to the Prime Minister requesting (1) engagement with the NUG as the representative of Myanmar, (2) aid to assist in that country, and (3) intensifying financial and diplomatic pressure on the current government; and what plans they have to raise the issues in Myanmar at the G7 Summit.

We are clear in our condemnation of the coup and stand in solidarity with those calling for a return to democracy. We welcome the formation of the NUG to push for an inclusive, democratic future for Myanmar. They are an important voice for many in Myanmar. On 9 April, the UK convened an Arria-formula meeting at the UN Security Council to discuss the issue of Myanmar and invited Daw Zing Mar Aung, from the NUG, to address participants. On 20 April, the Minister for Asia met with Dr Sasa, a key figure in the NUG, and reiterated the UK's support for their ambitions for a federal democracy.

The UK is one of the largest humanitarian donors in Myanmar. UK aid provides life-saving humanitarian assistance to conflict affected and displaced people in Myanmar. We have carried out a review of our aid programme in Myanmar to ensure that we focus on the most vulnerable people. We are closely monitoring the ongoing impacts of the military coup with our partners, including ethnic civil society organisations, so that our support continues to reach those most in need and can respond to new needs. On 17 May, the UK imposed sanctions on Myanmar Gems Enterprise, a State Owned Enterprise responsible for all gems activity in Myanmar, a key source of revenue for the military. We have also sanctioned Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), the two largest military conglomerates. These sanctions directly target the military's financial interests. 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.

We have also welcomed the Five Point Consensus on Myanmar and ASEAN's unique role in addressing the crisis and supported ASEAN's call for an end to violence, for restraint, and for a peaceful resolution, in line with the purpose and principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter. As was made clear in the communique after the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting on 5 May the military must implement this plan without delay.