Syria: Security Situation

Mr Cleverly acknowledged the crisis in north-west Syria and highlighted ongoing efforts by the UK to condemn violations of international law, including Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure. He discussed the UK's support for humanitarian aid efforts, emphasising financial commitments of £118 million in 2019-20 and a total of £3.1 billion since 2011.

Mr Ellwood expressed frustration over the international community's lack of urgency in addressing the crisis, raising concerns about the potential for long-term insurgency and guerrilla warfare once Syrian government forces gain control of Idlib. He also questioned Britain’s role at the UN and suggested that hesitating responses from the West are giving non-Western alliances more confidence to pursue their own agendas.

Mr Mahmood thanked Mr Ellwood for securing the urgent question and emphasised the need for a peaceful political solution to avoid further humanitarian crises. He questioned the expected response of international allies if Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham engages in long-term insurgency and guerrilla warfare once Syrian government forces control Idlib.

The UK needs to inject life into its strategy in Syria, speak out louder, and partner with allies to ensure our voice is heard even after the war's tragic conclusion. The current conflict represents a military solution that has resulted in significant civilian casualties.

The UK must challenge Russia's indifference to human life and obligation to protect it, and respond to calls for establishing humanitarian corridors. The Syrian regime is using rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war.

Concerned about camps funded by British taxpayers potentially harbouring former ISIS leaders' wives, he questioned the measures to ensure UK funding is not diverted for terrorism or violence. The government monitors these situations closely.

The UK's humanitarian efforts in Syria are insufficient and seem passive; she urged the Minister to ask the UN Secretary-General to visit Idlib to show leadership, and suggested that Britain could take in more Syrian refugees.

Asked about future planning for refugee returns after conflict resolution, he was assured the UK would continue playing an active role internationally to de-escalate and seek a peaceful future for Syrians.

Called for treating attacks on hospitals as war crimes, emphasising that 890 medical personnel have been killed in 578 such attacks. He asked the Government to refute claims by Assad's regime about inoperative healthcare facilities.

Expressed concern about Hezbollah's involvement in Syria and its potential impact on Israel, questioning the Government's ability to address this threat.

Reaffirmed the UK government's commitment to peace in Syria, stressing concerns over military intervention and the need for international consensus. He also highlighted efforts to stabilise the region by addressing issues such as Russian support for Assad.

Suggested that NATO involvement could provide a solution to protect civilians in Idlib, questioning the effectiveness of current UN efforts. He emphasised the need for action beyond humanitarian aid.

Asked about alternatives to the Security Council, specifically querying the General Assembly's stance on Syria and potential actions.

Critiqued initial forecasts of success in military action against Daesh as overly optimistic, calling for a thorough review of lessons learned by the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.

Questioned the complexity of supporting sides in Syria's civil war, emphasising the need for clarity on UK alliances and support for groups like the Syrian Democratic Forces led by the Kurds.

Called for urgent action to protect civilians through a no-fly zone, expressing dismay at the failure of current diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and halt attacks on hospitals.

Asked about UK assessment of Hezbollah's resurgence in Syria and its threat to Israel. Also questioned support for Kurdish forces in Iraq dealing with Syrian refugees.

Advocated direct engagement with UN officials like Mark Lowcock regarding the refugee crisis, urging reconsideration of accepting more refugees to ease pressure on host countries.

Asked for a risk assessment related to potential NATO conflict if Turkey is pushed back against. Emphasised the importance of reducing risks of further conflicts.

Called on the Government to reconsider taking more refugees through resettlement routes, questioning the impact of current policies on countries surrounding Idlib and humanitarian aid delivery.

Highlighted UK's failure in 2013 to act against Assad's regime and subsequent humanitarian crises. Asked about the UK's behind-the-scenes contributions to peace negotiations and efforts to hold Putin, Assad and Iran accountable.

The situation is clearly deteriorating, and the Minister just described it as intolerable. Even though it is hardly believable that things are getting worse, they plainly are and there is an imperative to act, so what more can he do—what practical steps will he commit to—to protect the innocent civilians on the ground? Why will he not commit to taking more Syrian refugees as part of an international humanitarian response?

One of the most significant abuses of the Geneva conventions and the rules of law has been the primary targeting of hospitals by Russian air power and Syrian artillery. Why are we not calling them out more by naming and shaming units and using the UN to do so?

On that note, the UK has a very proud history of standing up for international humanitarian law. What steps are we actively exploring to ensure that those responsible for this bloody war are held to account?

I welcome the news that we have made such progress in combating Daesh as a fighting force. Will the Minister update us on whether the coalition remains in place to root out Daesh in the caves between Syria and Iraq in which they are currently hiding?

This is one of the worst humanitarian situations since the war: 6.2 million internally displaced people, 5 million externally displaced people. Surely it is high time this country stepped up to the plate and used its considerable influence with the United Nations. Will the Minister therefore consider having discussions with the Secretary-General to build an effective, broad-based alliance, so that we can begin a peace plan that will effectively begin the end of this humanitarian crisis?

Come off it—we wield no influence that will restrain either Russia or the regime, do we?