Boris Johnson has challenged Aung San Suu Kyi to use her “moral authority” to take on Burma’s military to force them to end their violence against Myanmar’s Rohingya minority.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph on the eve of Conservative Party Conference, the Foreign Secretary said there were “disturbing signs” that the level of ethnic prejudice is so widespread that those who have fled may never return.

Mr Johnson demanded that she heed the UN calls to cease its deliberate policy of expelling the minority from the country.

Recalling how the Burmese politician became famous for her “unique courage and stature” after enduring years of house arrest before winning political power, Mr Johnson said that “only she stands a chance challenging the prejudice” endemic in her country.