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Question
The Foreign Secretary established a diplomatic channel with HTS despite it being proscribed. Can the Minister clarify the legal basis for this decision? Are there other such organisations in Syria that also have diplomatic channels?
Minister reply
The UK maintains its commitment to international law while engaging with all parties to facilitate a peaceful transition. Specific legal justifications are discussed internally and guided by our foreign policy objectives.
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Question
Can the Minister confirm who else has made contact with HTS beyond Ann Snow, UK special representative for Syria? Is this engagement solely through official channels or at a ministerial level?
Minister reply
Engagement is primarily conducted via senior officials and is focused on pragmatic discussions to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need while upholding our principles.
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Question
Has the UK conveyed clear expectations for a peaceful transfer of power to HTS and will the Minister share this roadmap with the House?
Minister reply
The UK has emphasised principles such as human rights protection, humanitarian access, and combatting terrorism. Specific details of discussions are shared on an ongoing basis.
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Question
Does the Minister believe HTS will lead to a peaceful transition without undermining minority groups? Is there any risk of legitimisation?
Minister reply
Engagements are focused on ensuring that all parties adhere to international norms and principles, minimising risks of legitimisation while seeking peaceful outcomes.
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Question
What assurances can the Minister give regarding the delivery of aid in Syria amidst HTS control? How is the new operating environment considered?
Minister reply
The UK remains committed to ensuring that aid reaches vulnerable civilians. Detailed assessments and partnerships with local organisations help mitigate risks.
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Question
What measures are in place to prevent Iran's resurgence in Syria? Can the Minister update on diplomatic efforts?
Minister reply
The UK works closely with allies to monitor and mitigate risks posed by foreign influences. Ongoing discussions aim at safeguarding stability and preventing malign activities.
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Question
The shadow minister questioned the legal basis for engaging HTS, highlighted risks of legitimisation and asked about clarity on roadmaps for peace. She also inquired about aid delivery falling into wrong hands and potential Iranian resurgence in Syria.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that proscription will not inhibit foreign policy objectives, with inclusion and human rights as key considerations. Aid is being monitored to ensure it reaches the intended beneficiaries. The UK condemns Iran’s destabilising activities.
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Question
Asked about reassurances for minorities in Syria, given HTS's links with al-Qaeda.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that every lever will be used to protect all civilians, including minorities. The UK is urging all sides to refrain from activity leading to further loss of civilian life.
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Question
The fall of Assad marks a turning point in Syria’s history, one that brings renewed hope for millions who have suffered under his brutal rule. It also represents a serious setback for the global ambitions of the regimes in Moscow and Tehran... Can she give us the details of how it will specifically support Syrians who are returning to their home country? May I also ask what the Government are doing to work alongside key regional players to ensure that whatever comes next upholds the values of democracy and freedom?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Member for his remarks, and I agree with the way in which he described the current situation... We will continue to focus on those important issues with our partners into the future.
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Question
I commend the Minister for her statement, and for the additional £50 million in aid. I am particularly grateful for the extra £120,000 that has been given to the OPCW to help rid Syria of chemical weapons... What steps can the UK Government take to help support the Syrians to find any missing people and ensure that they are freed as soon as possible?
Minister reply
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for raising those points... The IIIM is so crucial to making sure that data about Assad’s murderous regime is not just collected, but held and then used to drive accountability.
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Question
The Minister will be aware of reports that up to £160 million is held in assets in the UK under the Syrian sanctions regime. Will she look at ways in which that money can be used in due course for the benefit of the people of Syria?
Minister reply
I am very grateful to the right hon. Member for his question... Of course, we will keep these matters under review and work with partners to make sure that there is accountability.
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Question
We welcome the Minister’s statement, and what she has detailed about the efforts of the Department and our Government to create a broad coalition to bring about peace in Syria... Given the Russians’ malign activity in Syria, does the Minister agree that although we need an inclusive political process that includes the country’s minority groups, it is essential that we have a broad international process?
Minister reply
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the critical need for an international process... The sudden fall of that regime has exposed Russia’s weakened state, and the unreliable and self-serving nature of its so-called alliances.
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Question
I very much welcome the Minister’s statement and the removal of the Assad Government... What assessment have the UK Government made of the Syrian justice system’s capacity to prosecute war crimes, and all the horrendous crimes that were perpetrated against the poor people of Syria during Assad’s regime?
Minister reply
Sadly, it is very clear that under Assad, we did not see a justice system that was focused on criminal justice and on providing proper accountability... Surely that is the least that the Syrians deserve.
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Question
Does the Minister share my concern that the situation in both Syria and Gaza threatens stability in the wider region, and can she reassure me that the Government are acting urgently to support humanitarian needs in both Syria and Gaza?
Minister reply
Yes, I can reassure my hon. Friend on that... We have also been working with the country to ensure that, where possible, we can push forward access for aid into Gaza.
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Question
Asked about sanctions and the new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa's stance on lifting them. Also inquired about £61 million of support for healthcare and nutrition, its delivery, mass graves reports, and technical forensic assistance.
Minister reply
Touched on existing tough sanctions against Assad regime, ongoing review for further action. Working with UN agencies to ensure aid delivery without duplication. Engaged UK experts in collecting forensic evidence through IIIM.
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Question
Welcomed the end of dictatorship and opportunity for UK role in rebuilding Syria's education, infrastructure, healthcare system, ensuring stability, democratic transition, and inclusive prosperity.
Minister reply
Acknowledged need to work with multilateral organisations and regional countries on reconstruction. Emphasised importance of making Syria inhabitable again for all Syrians.
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Question
Asked about cautious optimism regarding HTS's statements, protection of minorities including Christians, reopening UK embassy in Syria, and destruction of chemical stockpiles.
Minister reply
Stressed need for future political settlement to be comprehensive and inclusive. Highlighted UK's resolute stance on protecting Christian minorities and ensuring destruction or safe handling of chemical stockpiles.
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Question
Inquired about HTS’s attitude towards gender equality, women's rights, and potential ministry for women in future Syria.
Minister reply
Emphasised importance of inclusive arrangements that protect women and girls. Cited UK support for UN family planning work in Syria.
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Question
Commented on Israeli air force destroying chemical weapons, Turkish occupation in Syria, Kurdish fighters situation, and potential Turkish annexation.
Minister reply
Acknowledged contact with Türkiye and SDF since escalation. Emphasised need for all sides to refrain from destabilising activities.
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Question
Welcomed involvement in new Syrian Government, asked about actions to ensure withdrawal of foreign forces and rights of Kurdish people.
Minister reply
Acknowledged complexity with multiple armed groups. Stressed critical need for protection of civilians and quick move towards inclusive political transition.
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Question
When I speak in the Chamber, I always see myself as a rear gunner. I thank the Minister for her statement and her clear commitment to human rights, prevention of religious persecution and righting wrongs. While I welcome the fall of Assad, I fear for what will replace that regime. As we have seen in Afghanistan and Iraq, if we do not —I say “we” collectively—secure democracy, a dictatorship under a different guise will arise. How will the UK and our UN allies ensure that those women and children who have lived through horrific oppression will not simply taste freedom for a short time before entering a new despotic regime? What specific support can our Government give to women and children at this time?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for all his work over many years on these and associated issues. He talked about the complex situation that faces us now. As many have reflected, there is relief at seeing the fall of such a dreadful dictator but concern about what may come next. As I have mentioned, the UK Government will do all we can to seek to ensure that the subsequent governance regime is comprehensive, inclusive and representative, and will ensure the safety of civilians, including children. The hon. Gentleman asked about the UK’s approach on support towards children. Within the support we announced a couple of days ago, there is provision for education for displaced Syrian children and also for psychosocial support, which will be important to those young people.