Boris Johnson has called for the release of democratically election politicians after a military coup in Myanmar
The Prime Minister criticised the “unlawful imprisonment of civilians” after its leader Aung San Suu Kyi was reportedly detained.
All authority has been given to the top army commander and a one-year state of emergency has been declared, a statement on military TV said.
The coup follows a landslide win by Ms Suu Kyi's party in an election which the army claims was marred by fraud.
She urged her supporters to "not accept this" and "protest against the coup".
Mr Johnson tweeted: “I condemn the coup and unlawful imprisonment of civilians, including Aung San Suu Kyi, in Myanmar.
“The vote of the people must be respected and civilian leaders released.”
Adding his voice to the condemnation, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted: “The UK condemns the state of emergency in Myanmar and the unlawful detention of figures in the Civilian Government and civil society by the military.
“The democratically expressed wishes of the people of Myanmar must be respected, and the National Assembly peacefully re-convened.”
Lisa Nandy MP, Labour ’s Shadow Foreign Secretary said: “We condemn this attempt to impose political will through force.
"The democratic rights of the people of Myanmar must be upheld.
"All political prisoners should be released and the UK government should consider further sanctions against the Burmese military.
“We continue to urge the UK government to formally support the ICJ genocide case against Myanmar and provide greater support to Rohingya refugees.”
