Britain has set out its position on Myanmar in a government statement published on GOV.UK, thanking the European Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for advancing a resolution on the crisis. The statement flags escalating human rights violations and rising reports of sexual and gender-based violence.
The UK condemns the military regime’s primary role in indiscriminate attacks and airstrikes that continue to kill and injure civilians. It calls for an immediate halt to hostilities-particularly aerial bombardment-alongside respect for international law and the protection of civilians.
Ministers also press for the release of all those arbitrarily detained, presenting detainee releases as necessary for any credible political process to begin.
According to the government, a systematic blockade of aid by the military has produced severe shortages of life-saving medicines and food, pushing Rakhine State to the brink of famine. It cites more than two million people now at risk of starvation.
The emergency spans all communities in Rakhine, including Rakhine, Rohingya and other minorities. The UK again thanks Bangladesh for hosting more than a million Rohingya refugees, including people who fled after conflict resumed in November 2023.
Any consideration of returns, the statement says, must be safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable. Increasing instability along the Myanmar–Bangladesh border is worsening conditions for return and undermining confidence in repatriation schemes.
The UK argues that inclusive dialogue and trust-building are essential to change the trajectory. It calls on the military and other key actors to allow rapid, full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, with particular urgency in Rakhine.
On elections, the government states that a meaningful process requires an end to violence and dialogue among all parties. It sees no indication that the planned polls will meet these conditions or be perceived as free or fair, warning that proceeding now risks provoking further violence.
The UK reaffirms support for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and for the efforts of ASEAN and UN special envoys. This keeps Britain aligned with regional diplomacy while anchoring expectations in agreed steps to de-escalate.
Policy Wire analysis: For humanitarian agencies and donors, the message prioritises unfettered access and host-community support over premature repatriation. For diplomats, it sets a clear benchmark for engagement: ceasefire and inclusive dialogue first, with election timing following security and access improvements.