Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) joined a day of action for Burma in Parliament Square yesterday, as the first-ever full-length Government-sponsored debate on Burma took place on the floor of the House of Commons.

At 12 noon a demonstration was held in Parliament Square opposite the House of Commons. The protest was addressed by Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell MP, who visited Rangoon and the Thai-Burmese border earlier this year.

The demonstration was followed by an evening prayer vigil.

Nigel Evans MP then joined CSW's Advocacy Officer Benedict Rogers and other supporters in a sleep-over in Parliament Square, in solidarity with the Burmese people.

Several Burmese have been sleeping out in Parliament Square since the beginning of October, in a permanent 24-hour vigil.

These events coincided with the House of Commons debate on Burma, which took place in the main Chamber yesterday afternoon.

CSW's National Director Stuart Windsor said: "These initiatives are intended to demonstrate our continuing solidarity with the people of Burma at this time.

"We are delighted that several Parliamentarians will join us and the Burmese exiled community in the protest and vigil. We appeal to Christians around the country to join us."