During a debate on the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, John Bercow condemns the Burmese junta for denying her the right to use the telephone and right to medical treatment. He calls for multilateral action to enforce the UN proclamation of 'Responsibility to Protect'.

John Bercow (Buckingham) (Con): The institutionalised inhumanity of the Burmese junta is reflected in the denial of Aung San Suu Kyi’s right even to use the telephone, and the frequent denial of her right to medical treatment. Are not those further examples of why, in the final analysis, multilateral action is vital if we are to give effect to the UN proclamation of the responsibility to protect?

Mr. Carmichael: Yes, that is absolutely the case, and it is fair to say that no country on its own can possibly hope to effect a solution to the difficulties currently facing the Burmese people. It has to be said, however, that the one power in the region that might have particular sway and influence is China. Clearly, that country is not minded to promote democracy movements—for reasons that largely speak for themselves—but the opportunity for multilateral action lies in efforts made to influence China to bring a more benign influence to bear on Burma.

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