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Written question asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 June 2015 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Burma: Military Aid

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much money has been spent to date, and how much money is allocated to be spent in the future, on training the Burmese army.

Answer

We do not provide combat training to the Burmese army. Since 2013, we have undertaken a limited number of carefully calibrated education courses with the Burmese military focussed on modernisation and reform of the army and which adhere to the core principles of democratic accountability, international law and human rights. As the single most influential institution in Burma, it is right that we engage with the military to encourage them to support Burma's continuing transition to democracy.

From late 2013 to March 2015, the UK spent £105,905 on these educational activities. In financial year 2015-16, £74,210.82 has been allocated for the provision of English Language Training at the Defence Services Academy of Burma and a further £85,000 towards the delivery of leadership and reform activities. We are continuing to carefully assess what additional educational activities we might undertake with the Burmese military in future years in order to encourage reform.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL365
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Army Training Myanmar Military aid
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk