THE UK Government must enforce further sanctions on the south-east Asian country of Myanmar following reports of increasing violence against its ethnic minority Muslim population, a Newport MP has said.

An estimated 62,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled the country, formerly known as Burma, to neighbouring Bangladesh since violence by its government began in August.

UN secretary general António Guterres has described the violence as “textbook ethnic cleansing".

Speaking in Parliament this week, Newport East MP Jessica Morden said: “Three months on from the start of this current crisis we all continue to be shocked by the tragic stories as we see of the plight of the Rohingya people fleeing to Bangladesh and the scale of the crisis.

Addressing foreign secretary Boris Johnson she added: “EU member states, as well as the US Congress, are reportedly considering re-imposing some sanctions against Myanmar’s leaders.

“What discussions have ministers had with EU member states on this and what would be the government’s position?”

Mr Johnson replied: “I have indeed raised this already, as (Ms Morden) can imagine, with our European friends and partners.

“At the Foreign Affairs Council on October 16 we got agreement around the table that we will suspend Burmese military visits and review all defence co-operation.

“We got a further agreement to consider additional measures if the situation does not improve, and we will indeed now be doing so.”

Speaking afterwards Ms Morden said: "I know there has been a lot of concern about the situation in the local community.

"It’s important that the UK Government plays a role in international efforts to pursue peace in Myanmar."

Also this week US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said those responsible for the alleged genocide "must be held accountable".