Brown backs UN statement on Burma

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The Prime Minister said that the statement, agreed at UN headquarters in New York, sent a "powerful signal" of the international community's support for the Burmese people.

The statement, which marked the first time the UN has taken any formal action over Burma, said it "strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators" and called on the military junta to work for a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Mr Brown said: "I applaud the leadership and responsibility shown by all the members of the UN Security Council in issuing their first ever formal statement on Burma.

"The statement sends a powerful signal of the collective determination of the international community to stand together with the Burmese people.

"It is essential that we continue to work to bring an end to this crisis. The regime in Burma must now take the opportunity to begin the process of reconciliation, overseen by the UN."

The agreement of the statement followed a shift in position by China, which has previously used its veto as one of the five permanent members of the Security Council to block any action against Burma.

Meanwhile, a new opinion poll has shown Labour trailing the Conservatives by three points.

The Ipsos Mori poll put the Tories on 41% with Labour on 38% and the Liberal Democrats on 11% when people were asked who they would vote for if there was a general election tomorrow.

Those questioned were also asked who would make the best prime minister and although Gordon Brown, on 45%, was still way ahead of Conservative leader David Cameron, on 29%, his lead has dropped since a similar poll last month put Brown on 58% and Cameron on 17%.