§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on British American Tobacco's decision to stop its cigarette making operation in Burma. [138824]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI welcome that BAT, the largest remaining UK investor in Burma, has responded to the Government's request that they leave the country. BAT's decision reinforces our long held policy of not encouraging trade, investment or tourism in Burma. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated in June, trade and investment with Burma is not appropriate while the military regime continues to suppress the basic1048W rights of its people. This will remain our policy until we see concrete evidence of genuine political will by the regime to work towards national reconciliation, democracy, and respect for human rights in Burma.