Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Turkey and Syria Earthquakes

01 March 2023 · 19 other contributors

Opened by Andrew Mitchell Con Sutton Coldfield

UkraineForeign AffairsNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about turkey and syria earthquakes in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister addressed the House on the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
  • Death toll across both countries exceeds 48,000 with about 25 million affected.
  • UK response includes search and rescue, 4.3 million funding for White Helmets, and relief item deliveries.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Andrew Mitchell

With permission, I addressed the House on the situation in Turkey and Syria following recent earthquakes. The death toll across both countries stands at over 48,000 with approximately 25 million people affected. I acknowledged the immediate humanitarian response from Britain, including deploying a search and rescue team to Turkey, funding £4.3 million for the White Helmets in Syria, and delivering relief items through civilian and Royal Air Force flights. The UK has also announced an additional £25 million to bolster its humanitarian efforts. Notably, the British public donated over £100 million to aid these regions via the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. Beyond immediate responses, the UK continues to support multilateral organisations such as Education Cannot Wait and the World Bank in their recovery efforts for both countries.

Other contributors (19)
  • Karl Turner Lab Feltham and Heston

    Question

    Given the ongoing displacement caused by these earthquakes and existing conflict conditions, could you elaborate on how the UK plans to ensure that Syrian refugees are adequately supported?

    Minister reply

    We have been working closely with the UN and other partners to address the urgent needs of displaced persons both in Turkey and Syria. The Ministry has made commitments towards ensuring continuous support through humanitarian aid channels and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

  • David Rutley Con Macclesfield

    Question

    What steps is the UK taking to ensure that displaced families, women, children, and those with disabilities receive adequate assistance?

    Minister reply

    The UK has prioritised vulnerable groups in its aid efforts. The £25 million funding will particularly focus on these populations, providing essential items such as food, water, hygiene kits, and shelter materials.

  • Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Bow

    Question

    How is the UK engaging with local authorities in Syria to ensure effective distribution of aid?

    Minister reply

    We are actively working through our diplomatic channels, including leveraging our presence on the UN Security Council, to facilitate access for humanitarian agencies. We will continue to push for greater coordination and cooperation between local authorities and international aid providers.

  • Preet Kaur Gill Lab Co-op Birmingham Edgbaston

    Question

    The MP expressed concern about the need for ongoing support beyond initial response efforts, including emergency accommodation and humanitarian aid. She questioned funding allocation and the impact of planned cuts on current crisis management.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirmed that Britain has delivered 3,350 tents to both Syria and Turkey, along with thermal blankets, and discussed Education Cannot Wait's $7 million allocation for educational support. He assured that despite reduced figures compared to previous years, the UK's contributions remain significant.

  • Matthew Offord

    Question

    The MP reported from his recent visit to Syria, expressing revulsion at ongoing drone missile attacks and difficulties with humanitarian aid access in the north-east autonomous region.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by those affected, particularly due to Assad's regime and Russian intervention. He praised Martin Griffiths of the UN OCHA for successfully negotiating the opening of borders.

  • Martin Docherty SNP West Dunbartonshire

    Question

    Expresses condolences for the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, welcomes the Department's decision to send support to Turkey, and questions whether the UK will provide additional funding to the World Food Programme. Also asks about Government attendance at a donor conference and whether aid will be flown through Qamishli.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the work of British service and search and rescue personnel, confirms that the UK is a significant funder of the World Food Programme but no immediate decision to provide additional funding has been made. Confirms that Britain's commitment to aid delivery in Syria remains strong.

  • Robert Courts Con Oxford West and Abington

    Question

    Thanks RAF Brize Norton for their assistance during the crisis, particularly the tactical medical wing.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with the MP's statement and acknowledges the exceptional support provided by the Royal Air Force.

  • Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham

    Question

    Asks for details on the UK Government’s long-term commitment to NGOs and UN partners in Syria, focusing on help for communities to rebuild their lives.

    Minister reply

    Details the £100 million raised from across the country allocated to 15 British and international charities, with £43.3 million already deployed to Turkey and the White Helmets receiving £4.3 million. Emphasises the deployment of resources through multilateral funds such as the Central Emergency Response Fund.

  • Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup

    Question

    Thanks local residents, businesses, schools, churches, charities for their efforts in collecting donations and aid.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the magnificence of the response across the country to the situation in Turkey and Syria.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Question

    Asks if the Government will consider a new expedited temporary visa scheme for those with relatives in the UK.

    Minister reply

    No plans to introduce such a scheme, but confirms that consular services are back up and running quickly after the crisis.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    Asks how individuals can ensure their donations reach frontline organisations effectively.

    Minister reply

    Suggests giving donations through the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal to 15 respected organisations on the ground.

  • Feryal Clark Lab Enfield North

    Question

    Asks why the Government will not support calls for an expedited temporary visa scheme for family members affected by the earthquake.

    Minister reply

    Explains that Britain has been doing everything it can to help, including setting up field hospitals and emergency medical clinics in collaboration with Turkish counterparts.

  • Edward Timpson

    Question

    Thanked the minister for his statement and inquired if the additional commitment to Education Cannot Wait would mean more funding in the future.

    Minister reply

    The Minister responded by stressing the importance of education post-disaster, stating that Education Cannot Wait's $7 million support is a positive step towards recovery.

  • Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead

    Question

    Expressed gratitude for civil servants and aid workers. Asked about the role of the United Nations in aiding civilians.

    Minister reply

    The Minister thanked her for her comments, acknowledging that the UN has been instrumental in delivering aid post-earthquake.

  • Kate Osamor Lab Co-op Edmonton and Winchmore Hill

    Question

    Asked about the current state of the crisis reserve fund and its allocation.

    Minister reply

    The Minister explained that the Crisis Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is now deploying $50 million, with the humanitarian budget having flexibility for additional deployment.

  • Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

    Question

    Asked why many buildings collapsed and inquired about cross-border remittances.

    Minister reply

    The Minister stated that the Turkish authorities are addressing this issue. He also agreed to look into easing cross-border remittance procedures.

  • Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd

    Question

    Inquired about specific healthcare needs for women due to give birth in affected areas.

    Minister reply

    The Minister highlighted the government's efforts to provide basic health and hygiene support, including water and sanitation.

  • Allan Dorans

    Question

    Asked about preparation and contingency planning for future earthquakes.

    Minister reply

    The Minister stated that the government continuously considers such matters in terms of humanitarian need and resilience, addressing various global challenges.

Shadow Comment

Preet Kaur Gill

I thanked the Minister for his statement on the tragic earthquakes. Labour emphasised the need to continue supporting Turkey and Syria not just in immediate response but over a long-term period given the significant ongoing needs including emergency accommodation, food, healthcare, water, sanitation, and most critically, shelter. While praising the UK’s rapid initial support, I questioned if further direct financial support was planned as well as whether recent cuts of £6 million to £8 million would still go ahead. Additionally, Labour stressed the importance of extending humanitarian access beyond three months for aid delivery in Syria.

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