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Tobacco company asked to
withdraw from Burma
The Foreign Office has asked British American Tobacco (BAT) to withdraw its investment in Burma after the Government expressed concern over the country’s human rights record.
The Foreign Office request comes a week after the Prime Minister stated that the UK does not believe that trade or investment in Burma is appropriate when the regime continues to suppress the basic human rights of its people.
BAT is considering the request and will give a formal reply soon.
Foreign Office Minister Mike O’Brien said that the Burmese people’s struggle will continue to receive the full and active support of the British Government.
“The Burmese people want nothing more than to be left free from repression to build an inclusive, tolerant and prosperous society. But they need help and encouragement from their friends in order to emerge from the shackles of this repressive and incompetent regime.”
He went on to welcome recent firm action by the US and Japan and added that the UK was “actively considering with partners further action if the regime do not see sense”.
BAT is the second UK company to be publicly asked to withdraw from Burma. In March 2000, in line with UK policy of not encouraging trade with Burma, the UK advised Premier Oil that the Government would like to see the company withdraw from the country.
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