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Question
What is the minister’s assessment of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham's threat to UK interests? What action does he plan with allies regarding drugs and arms smuggling through Syria?
Minister reply
The Minister responded by stressing the need for diplomatic engagement with international partners, including Turkey, to address threats posed by HTS. He committed to working on cross-border issues such as drug trafficking and weapons smuggling in coordination with regional allies.
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Question
How will this escalation impact migratory pressures, and what are the implications for neighbouring areas?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged increased displacement risks due to the conflict. He emphasised continued support through humanitarian assistance channels and underscored the need for diplomatic efforts to address migratory challenges.
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Question
Does he have a vision for Syria's future, including the dynamics altered by Russia’s focus on Ukraine and Iran’s reduced presence?
Minister reply
The Minister reaffirmed commitment to UN-led political solutions while acknowledging shifting geopolitical landscapes. He emphasised sustained engagement with international partners towards stabilising Syria.
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Question
The MP questions the real threat posed by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, calls for action on drugs and arms smuggling through Syria, expresses concern over the impact of instability on extremism and prison security. She also seeks clarity on aid distribution amid new conflicts, the bailing out of Assad's regime, and potential migratory pressures due to conflict escalation.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that HTS remains a proscribed terrorist organisation, with no dialogue initiated with them or the Assad regime. He outlines ongoing regional consultations and the maintenance of humanitarian corridors despite frontline changes. The Government monitors terrorist threats closely, especially those emanating from Syria.
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Question
The MP inquires about assistance for Syrian families displaced multiple times due to conflict and natural disasters.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the acute vulnerability of those displaced by multiple conflicts and earthquakes, confirming ongoing assessments and commitment to providing necessary care.
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Question
The MP expresses concern over humanitarian impacts on Jordan and Lebanon due to Syrian conflict, questions the impact of aid budget cuts, and inquires about UK's response to proxy interference by Iran and Russia.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms ongoing rapid assessments for new aid allocations, noting existing funding commitments. He agrees on the threat from terrorist groups like Daesh and emphasises the importance of safety for British nationals.
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Question
Questions the ongoing conflict in Syria for 13 years, highlighting humanitarian crisis with nearly 17 million people in need of assistance and 90% families living in poverty. Asks what assessment has been made on recent escalation's impact and whether UK will urge UN to activate emergency response plans.
Minister reply
States discussions are ongoing with the United Nations regarding its operational matters; assesses situation and considers increasing Official Development Assistance (ODA) but details remain under consideration.
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Question
Discusses potential movement of people in large numbers due to HTS taking territory, and the process of asylum claims managed by UN. Questions if British public will continue to be generous in this situation.
Minister reply
Acknowledges importance of protecting minority groups; discusses panicked movements across frontlines but affirms discussions will continue.
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Question
Asks about monitoring war crimes and accountability for the use of chemical weapons by Syria, referencing former MP Jo Cox's call to action.
Minister reply
Reaffirms commitment to pursuing accountability for the use of chemical weapons; confirms UK officials are involved in efforts to ensure treaty conventions are upheld.
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Question
Inquires about support to Syrian Democratic Forces who have been an important ally against Islamic State.
Minister reply
Confirms continued engagement with the Syrian Democratic Forces and their role in stability in north-east Syria.
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Question
Welcomes Minister’s emphasis on protecting civilians, mentions Jo Cox's influence. Asks to meet Syrian activists to discuss policy towards Syria.
Minister reply
Agrees to meet the Syrian British Consortium and discusses policy.
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Question
Questions if previous safe and legal routes for asylum seekers deterred them from making their way across Europe to UK.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the question but requests clarification.
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Question
Highlights interconnectedness of conflicts in region including Russia, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and further. Asks how this is recognised in security and diplomatic policy.
Minister reply
Confirms interlinked nature of security situation; mentions concerns about militia groups reinforcing Syrian regime from Iraq and Hezbollah's actions in Syria.
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Question
Asks about discussions with European partners regarding common approach on political process, disinformation targeting, and humanitarian response.
Minister reply
Confirms joint statement issued with France and Germany; emphasises importance of ensuring a common European position.
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Question
Inquires about assessment from moderate Syrian opposition regarding Assad regime's fragility, and asks how UK Government can foster democratic transition.
Minister reply
Acknowledges fragility of Assad's regime; calls for political resolution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
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Question
Once again, we find the people of Syria squeezed between two vicious regimes: the Assad regime and the terrorists. We know from what has happened in the past that they will be subjected to barrel bombs and find themselves cowering in basements, and are denied basic medical facilities. Have we pre-empted where bases and camps might be set up based on routes people are likely to take? Also, have minorities been protected, and has an assessment of asylum claims been made?
Minister reply
As the frontlines move in north-west Syria, it is hard to work out where vulnerable people will settle. We are worried that this latest round of conflict will drive further displacement towards Europe. The Home Secretary spoke about measures to ensure movements towards Europe are managed well. We undertake rapid assessments on how best to assist them.
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Question
This appears to be a completely intractable situation, but I wish the Minister well on his trip. As my hon. Friend mentioned, Iran has its fingers in many conflicts right across the region. Sanctions are not working.
Minister reply
We have extant sanctions on Syria and continue to amend them so that they do not unduly press on humanitarian agencies. Our sanctions on Iran play an important role in responding to Iran’s malign actions across the region, including in Syria.
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Question
This scenario is one where we consider the lesser of two evils in Syria, but my concern is about securing food and water for 4 million women and children, and providing freedom from sexual abuse. What more can be done to help those in need?
Minister reply
I regret that Syrian people have to choose between multiple evils with a multiplicity of actors making humanitarian access complex. We are focused on ensuring routes for humanitarian aid into north-west Syria and out for affected individuals, including minorities.
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Question
Christian minority families find themselves facing jihadist terrorists and Russian airstrikes. A constituent fled to Aleppo 10 years ago from her original city of Al-Tabqah. Is there a Ukrainian-style resettlement scheme for Syrians with blood ties here?
Minister reply
In these early days of the conflict, we are focused on events in Syria, but I am happy to write to my hon. Friend with details about what else we might do.