The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office marked five years since Myanmar’s 1 February 2021 coup with a statement from Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper setting out the UK’s position, published on 1 February 2026. (gov.uk)
In the past year, the FCDO reports the UK supported over 1.4 million people with humanitarian assistance and provided essential health services to 1.3 million people, with a commitment to continue supporting those most affected. (gov.uk)
The statement describes conditions as severe: around half of children are out of school; women and girls face persistent violence; and cross‑border criminality-from drug production to cyber scams-has grown, with impacts noted in the UK. (gov.uk)
The UK characterises recent military‑run elections as neither free nor fair and sets clear tests: an end to airstrikes, unhindered humanitarian access, the release of political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, and genuine dialogue toward a democratic and peaceful transition. (gov.uk)
This stance sits alongside the Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021 made under the Sanctions and Anti‑Money Laundering Act 2018. Updated statutory guidance from March 2025 details prohibitions, enforcement and licensing routes, led by OFSI for financial measures and by the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation for civil trade enforcement. (gov.uk)
Targeted pressure has included measures against the junta’s access to aviation fuel. In October 2024 the UK, working with the EU and Canada, announced additional designations linked to aviation fuel supply chains following a rise in airstrikes against civilians. (gov.uk)
European partners have maintained parallel measures. The Council of the EU renewed its restrictive measures on Myanmar until 30 April 2026, retaining asset freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo. (consilium.europa.eu)
For UK NGOs, contractors and financial institutions, the immediate implications are operational and compliance‑focused. Delivery of aid remains constrained, and organisations should check parties, supply chains and payments against the UK sanctions list and secure licences where required before providing goods, services or funds. (gov.uk)
Yvette Cooper has served as Foreign Secretary since 5 September 2025. The priorities set out today-protection of civilians, access for aid, release of detainees and a credible return to democratic governance-provide the benchmarks for assessing any response from Myanmar’s authorities. (gov.uk)