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Reportedly, internet access has been shut down and there have been shootings and beatings of activists.

Riots were sparked by a doubling in fuel prices, which made Zimbabwe the most expensive place to buy petrol in the world at $3.31 a litre.

The suggestion to invade the one-time British colony was raised by independent crossbench peer Lord Palmer.

Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Palmer said: "Has the minister even considered the idea of recolonising Zimbabwe?

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“It is tragic to see what is going on."

Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said: "I have to be very honest as I always am, that is not an option I have personally considered."

Concerns had been raised with ministers about the violent tactics used by Zimbabwean security forces to shut down civilian riots in the nation, which was ruled by Robert Mugabe for more than 30 years.

The civil unrest fuelled fears of a return to authoritarian rule under Mugabe’s long-term ally and successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

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President Mnangagwa has been on a state visit to Russia, but is returning to Zimbabwe tonight to try and calm the situation, according to his official Twitter page.

He tweeted: “In light of the economic situation, I will be returning home after a highly productive week of bilateral trade and investment meetings.”

He added: “The first priority is to get Zimbabwe calm, stable and working again.”

Meanwhile Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt addressed the rulers on Twitter and beseeched him not to ”turn the clock back".

Mr Hunt tweeted: "Please don't turn back the clock @edmnangagwa.

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"People should have right to peaceful protest without fear of violence.

"Full access to internet must be restored, security forces must stop use of disproportionate force & all cases of alleged human rights abuses investigated."

Earlier, Lord Ahmad condemned the violent actions of some protesters, but said there were reports security forces acted "completely disproportionately".

"There are also disturbing reports of security forces using live ammunition and partaking in indiscriminate arrests," he said.

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Lord Ahmad pointed-out the Minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, had summoned the Zimbabwean ambassador on January 17, when she urged the regime to end the use of force, reinstate internet access and investigate alleged human rights abuses.

Tory peer Lord Hayward said: "Is it not clear that a government which is willing to shoot its own subjects, in most cases apparently for no reason whatsoever, should not be a member of the Commonwealth?"

Lord Ahmad said Zimbabwe had previously been encouraged to apply for Commonwealth membership.

"Clearly, the events which have unfolded recently put that into question," he added.