House of Commons · General Debate
09 September 2024 · 7 other contributors
Opened by Hamish Falconer Lab Lincoln
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Hamish Falconer raised concerns about sanctions: syria in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The instrument amends the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 to improve humanitarian aid delivery. The conflict in Syria has led to a dire humanitarian situation, with over 16 million people in need of assistance and nine out of ten Syrians living in poverty. The UK supports the Syrian people by providing over £4 billion in aid, ensuring that sanctions do not hinder humanitarian efforts while maintaining robustness against the Assad regime.
The instrument amends the humanitarian exception to petroleum measures and extends regulations to ensure they apply to those involved in the delivery chain. It also authorises financial service providers of 'relevant persons' to use the humanitarian exception, reducing delays in payments and ensuring aid reaches the most vulnerable.
The sanctions regime targets those responsible for the humanitarian disaster while protecting NGOs, international organisations, and individuals aiding relief efforts. The instrument improves access to fuel for humanitarian groups through an automatic exemption system, extending protections against misuse. The speaker also highlights concerns over Captagon production in Syria and urges support for a chemical weapons tribunal and continued vigilance against Daesh.
Echoes the effect of the war in Syria, highlighting that over 300,000 civilians have been killed since 2011 and more than 13 million people displaced. Discusses the reduction in bilateral aid from £300 million to £150 million over four years. Raises concerns about co-option of humanitarian aid by the Syrian Government as highlighted in a Human Rights Watch report, demanding assurance that fuel for humanitarian groups is not aiding Assad's regime.
Gratefully acknowledges constituents and those who supported his election. Describes the beauty of Witney constituency with its market towns, historical trade in wool, and community spirit focused on welfare and social justice. Highlights housing pressure, transport issues, and underfunded public services. Advocates for rebuilding the railway linking Carterton, Witney, Eynsham with Oxford to improve connectivity. Addresses sewage pollution in rivers and demands action against Thames Water's mismanagement. Emphasises the importance of defending British values like democracy and human rights. Supports the motion on Syria due to humanitarian needs.
He thanked Charlie Maynard for his maiden speech and highlighted the success of the Syrian relocation scheme in his constituency. He mentioned that six displaced Christian families from Syria were successfully integrated into Newtonards, with support from various local organisations. Shannon emphasised the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches small ethnic groups like Kurdish Christians who are at risk due to conflict in regions such as Idlib and Al-Hasakah. He questioned the Minister on whether more can be done beyond sanctions to protect religious minorities suffering human rights abuses.
She called for the Minister to conclude the debate, adhering to parliamentary protocol.
He thanked members for their contributions and addressed key issues such as Captagon trade, chemical weapons, and balancing sanctions with humanitarian aid. He confirmed that no assistance will be provided directly to the Syrian Government and efforts are made to comply strictly with the sanctions regime. Falconer also noted £14 million in support for human rights monitoring in Syria.