The MP for Bethnal Green and Bow has called on the British government to help put an end to violence in Burma.

Labour’s Rushanara Ali, Shadow Minister for International Development, last week urged the Conservative government to lead peace and reconciliation efforts within Burma by challenging the Burmese Government over its actions during a debate at Westminister Hall.

She said: “When violence erupted between the Rohingya Muslim and Buddhist Rhakine communities in June this year, atrocious acts of violence and abuse took place.

“The Burmese government interceded but they did not simply put an end to the violence. Instead they helped to perpetuate a cycle of sectarian and state-sponsored violence against the Rohingya. There are serious allegations against Burmese forces of killings, torture, rape, mass arrests and forced displacement.”

She said the Burmese government needs to allow humanitarian access to ensure the disaster does not become even worse.

Ms Ali also drew attention to the treatment of the Rohingya refuguees in Bangladesh, saying the UK should be pushing the Government of Bangladesh to “live up to their moral and legal responsibilities.”