House of Commons · General Debate
10 March 2025 · 27 other contributors
Opened by Hamish Falconer Con Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Minister
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Hamish Falconer raised concerns about syria 2025-03-10 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Falconer stated that events in Syria are concerning and called for the interim authorities to establish a clear process and timeline for political transition. He highlighted efforts by the UK to support an inclusive political process, prevent conflict escalation, tackle security threats, and provide humanitarian assistance. The UK has lifted some sanctions on entities linked to Assad's regime but maintains targeted sanctions against those responsible for repression.
Patel questioned the Government's approach to Syria and sought clarification on engagement with HTS and the interim Administration, lifting of sanctions, Turkey’s role in supporting Syria's transition, security issues, Assad’s chemical weapons stockpiles destruction, humanitarian situation, funding allocation for aid, and the progress of the national dialogue conference. She expressed concern over recent violence and called for clear expectations to be set by the Government.
Thornberry echoed the Minister's horror at civilian killings in Syria and questioned the effectiveness of the UK's policy on pushing for an inclusive political process and accountability. She raised concerns about the extent of the Government's plan when there is no embassy in Syria and the special representative has visited Damascus only twice this year.
Expressed concerns over escalating violence in Syria, questioned whether sanctions should be lifted to support development. Highlighted the need for an independent investigation into violent clashes and stressed importance of religious tolerance in new Syrian regime.
Asked about assessment of violence on Syria's coast, emphasised need for clarity and urged interim authorities to ensure violence stops now.
Called out new Sunni Muslim Government of Syria over duty of care towards minorities such as Christians, Druze, Alawites, and others.
Inquired about increasing engagement with Syrian civil society to build a more inclusive society, highlighted importance of funding for peaceful initiatives by civil society groups.
Pleaded for focus on Syria despite other global crises, emphasised the importance of Foreign Office engagement in Syria and support to surrounding countries housing refugees.
Welcomed UK Government's efforts supporting Syrian people towards democracy, questioned whether further aid support should be boosted during this fragile period.
Reported on a constituent family with relatives in Syria facing imminent attack by extremist groups, pleaded for urgent intervention from the international community to protect civilians.
Asked about implications of recent events on UK's temporary pause in accepting asylum applications from Syrians and future assessments moving forward.
Inquired whether Russia played any role in the events through social media.
Highlighted underfunding of health facilities, particularly maternity services, and asked about conversations with interim Government on improving women's health provision.
Condemns recent attacks on Syrian minority groups, highlights the need for stability and inclusive governance in Syria. Emphasises the UK's commitment to supporting transitional justice and accountability for crimes committed under Assad.
Urges condemnation of attacks on minority communities and requests support from the Government to protect these groups who feel threatened.
Concerned about third-party actors in Syria, urging the Foreign Secretary to work with the Prime Minister to prevent such actors from gaining influence over the region.
Believes that actions are needed now more than ever to protect religious minorities in Syria and asks what more the UK can do to prompt these actions.
Questions whether the UK's position on accountability for war crimes under Assad has changed due to recent sectarian violence, noting that £240,000 is being provided to secure evidence of crimes.
Raises concerns about attacks by Turkish forces near Tishrin dam in Syria, including the bombing of areas with civilians. Asks for discussions on ceasing such violence.
Highlights the risks posed by chemical weapons and ISIS if Assad collapses, stressing the importance of a stable Syria that can deal effectively with these threats.
Emphasises the need for unity among allies to promote a stable and inclusive Syria. Also asks about the security implications of recent UK aid cuts.
Questions whether the Government will be circumspect with whom they share intelligence regarding third-party involvement in coastal regions of Syria.
Urges the Government to work with allies to contain and degrade terrorist threats emerging from Syria.
Questions about foreign troops occupying parts of Syria, asking for pressure on forces such as Russian, Turkish, American and Israeli to withdraw and cease military activities.
Suggests the possibility of a UN assistance mission to support a transitional Government in Syria, ensuring all Syrians can be protected.
Expressed concern about the persecution of religious minorities in Syria, highlighting a significant decline in the Christian population from approximately 1.5 million to around 300,000 since the start of the civil war in 2011. Questioned whether the planned £50 million aid for Syria should be reviewed due to the interim government's failure to address ethnic cleansing of Christians and suggested that aid should be delivered through reputable charitable groups.
Cited an Arab proverb highlighting the dangers of anarchy over tyranny, referencing potentially 1,500 civilian deaths over the weekend. Suggested support for a well-resourced UN group with a strengthened mandate and a new Syrian envoy familiar with the country to help resolve the issue.
Asked whether the delisting of 24 institutions from sanctions was due to engagement with the interim government. Suggested that this decision might have been premature in light of recent mass murders and massacres.
Government Response
Falconer responded to Patel by confirming that they have had senior-level contact with HTS leadership, lifted sanctions focused on the economic function of Syria without consulting European allies before doing so. He emphasised that actions rather than words will be the basis for judging HTS’s progress on borders and countering terrorism. Minister emphasised the need for transitional government inclusivity, called on interim authorities to reassure minority communities, discussed recent violence and confusion at the coast, and reiterated commitment to ongoing engagement with Syria's neighbours and civil society. Minister highlights the need for stability and inclusive governance in Syria. Condemns recent attacks on minority groups and emphasises UK's commitment to supporting transitional justice and accountability for crimes under Assad. Reiterated condemnation of sectarian attacks and intercommunal tensions, stating that Syria historically benefited from diversity. Confirmed £62 million aid given since the fall of Assad to be closely monitored for proper distribution through reliable channels. Noted discussions on a potential UN role in future Syria but declined to comment further on personnel staffing it.