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Syria
09 December 2024
Lead MP
David Lammy
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationAsylum & RefugeesDefenceTaxationForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 53
At a Glance
David Lammy raised concerns about syria in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Over a period of less than two weeks, there has been significant change in Syria. The opposition forces have made considerable progress against the pro-Assad regime, leading to its retreat and fall. This Government chose not to re-engage with Assad due to his atrocities including the use of chemical weapons and support for drug trafficking. The humanitarian situation remains dire with almost 17 million people in need, many as refugees in neighbouring countries like Türkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan. Syria is a hotbed of extremism, with HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) being proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK. The Government's priorities include protecting civilians, securing an inclusive political settlement, and preventing regional escalation. Over £4 billion has been spent on the Syrian crisis to date, including £11 million recently announced by the Prime Minister for humanitarian support. Additionally, £36 million is allocated for anti-corruption efforts in the National Crime Agency.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
What steps will be taken to gather evidence of crimes committed by Assad’s regime and what actions are being taken towards justice? What is the impact on the Syrian resettlement programme?
Minister reply
The Government continues to work closely with international partners to address these issues. No asylum claims from former members of the Assad regime associated with human rights abuses will be entertained.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
What measures are being taken to secure borders and prevent criminal activities like weapons smuggling and drug production?
Minister reply
The Government is working with regional partners to strengthen border security and address the risks of instability, including monitoring and responding to criminal activities.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
What is the risk posed by foreign terrorist fighters being released from prisons and state weapons falling into wrong hands?
Minister reply
The Government closely monitors these risks and works with partners to address them, including through legal mechanisms for proscribed organisations.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
Is a cross-Government review of security and defence implications, including terrorism risks, under way?
Minister reply
The Government is conducting assessments to address the evolving security situation and will share information with partners.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
Questions about Assad's removal, evidence gathering, resettlement programme, border security, criminal activities risks, ISIS threats, cross-Government review of terrorism risks, and assessment of future Syria dynamics involving Iran.
Minister reply
Thanked for engagement on serious issue. Raised human rights records of Russia and Iran supporting brutal regime; work continues with NGOs to hold accountable those who kept Syria under Assad's rule. Syrian resettlement premature as humanitarian needs supported cross-party basis. Cobra convened to understand terrorism threat, intelligence matter comments not right now. Concerns raised about illicit drugs like Captagon flooding into Gulf countries from Syria; UK will support new representative process focusing on Syrian people’s interests.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
Celebrates end of Assad regime but warns against replacement with another tyrant. Urges for inclusive transitional arrangements that ensure a multi-ethnic, multi-background country based on Syrians' political system needs.
Minister reply
Agrees with need for inclusive arrangements ensuring place for Druze, Alawites, Christians, Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, and Kurds in Syria; discussed ways to pay public officials and restore policing to prevent disorder.
Calum Miller
Lib Dem
Bicester and Woodstock
Question
I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary for early sight of his statement. The fall of the Assad regime is momentous for the millions of Syrians who have suffered under his brutal rule. What steps are being taken to ensure that both Bashar and his brother Maher al-Assad face justice for the crimes they committed? Will the Foreign Secretary assure the House that the UK is taking urgent action with our allies to identify, locate and secure stockpiles of chemical weapons in Syria?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise these issues. Further sanctions have been announced, and Baroness Hodge will lead across Government on illicit finance. We will work closely with others, including the French, on actions regarding chemical weapons. At this point, we are focusing on working with key countries in the region, particularly Arab partners, E3 partners, and the current and incoming US Governments.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Question
Since 28 November, almost a million Syrians have been displaced internally due to recent violence. More than 7.2 million Syrians are internally displaced and around 6.2 million are long-term refugees, mostly in neighbouring countries. What steps is the Foreign Secretary taking with our partners on the worst-case scenario, and will he commit to continuing, and indeed increasing, support for host refugee countries?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises these issues with great experience. We have discussed pressures on Turkey and Jordan due to potential further displacement and are committed to working closely with them.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Question
What specific action will the UK Government take to ensure that we maximise the chance of success and minimise the chance of failure? For example, will we re-establish a diplomatic presence in Damascus?
Minister reply
We are talking to the American Administration regarding the situation. Announcing an embassy reopening would be hasty. The pressing issues are humanitarian aid and working with partners on energy and order.
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Question
What is his hope for millions of Syrians who have fled Syria over the past decades? Also, what hope does he have of engaging the Kurdish community in this process for the future?
Minister reply
The important thing is that they go home to a country that continues to fuel their hopes and can cope with increased population. As for the Kurdish minority group, it has to be an inclusive country with a place for everyone.
Maldon
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that we should not be surprised that one war criminal, President Putin, is now sheltering another, Assad? Will he consider, in due course, whether we might use frozen assets owned by Assad or those linked to him for the benefit of Syrians?
Minister reply
Yes, absolutely. We must do all that we can to hold Putin accountable for tyranny across the world.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary commit himself to increasing UK support for Syrian civil society, and will he also increase support for human rights experts, including the UN, as they document crimes against civilians?
Minister reply
The £11 million that I announced earlier does include further support for civil society which is vital at this time.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
How would the Foreign Secretary explain and legally justify the fact that Syrians on the street cheering the demise of Assad were on day one on the receiving end of a massive Israeli airstrike?
Minister reply
I spoke to my Israeli counterpart yesterday. It is right to understand that there are legitimate security concerns for Israel, particularly in the context of housing ISIS, Daesh, and al-Qaeda.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
On the demise of Assad’s regime in Syria, my thoughts are with the Syrian people who have been left to pick up the pieces after his barbaric actions. Peace and stability will be foremost in everyone’s mind; what measures are being taken by the Government to ensure that rights of women and minorities will be secured?
Minister reply
The funds we are making available will support women's rights. The situation is fluid, but our priority is civilian safety. We do not comment on proscription.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
What role does the Foreign Secretary see the UN Security Council playing in Syria?
Minister reply
Resolution 2254 assumes Assad’s regime is in place. The UN special representative will be supported.
David Taylor
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Question
What can the British Government and the international community do to ensure that political prisoners are freed from Saydnaya prison?
Minister reply
We support civil society and public services in getting individuals out, but there are constraints due to lack of diplomatic presence.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Can the Foreign Secretary throw some light on what he expects Turkey to do now that it will be face to face with its Kurdish enemies?
Minister reply
The situation is complex, and Turkey supported the Islamist opposition. We need to be mindful of security concerns.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
What is the impact of events in Syria on Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon?
Minister reply
We see a diminished Hezbollah and Iran but also potential for further friction. We spoke to the Israeli Foreign Minister about the Golan heights.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Question
What steps have the Government taken regarding asylum claims from Syrian nationals?
Minister reply
We are working in-country and with neighbours to ensure we do not have new migration routes open up.
Steve Race
Lab
Exeter
Question
How can the Government support an inclusive political settlement that includes all Syria’s ethnic and religious groups?
Minister reply
We aim to work with partners, but inclusivity must come from the Syrian people themselves.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Question
Will the Government provide assistance to Syrians in this country who wish to return to their homeland?
Minister reply
We are focused on humanitarian support for people on the ground in Syria.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Question
Where will the necessary investment for Syria’s reconstruction come from?
Minister reply
The UK has provided £4 billion of aid and announced a further £11 million, but more international cooperation is needed.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Question
Has the Foreign Secretary had conversations with Ministry of Defence colleagues about reinforcing security at our sovereign base areas in Cyprus?
Minister reply
Discussions are ongoing given the challenges in the middle east.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Question
The fall of Assad’s regime marks a pivotal moment for Syria, offering a chance to end over a decade of brutal conflict. What steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to ensure that Britain works with international partners to secure a stable and inclusive future for Syria?
Minister reply
Engagement with Emirati, Turkish, Jordanian colleagues, United States and others to transition to genuine representation that is inclusive.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary support Parliament debating and voting on any future UK military action, even if it should happen after such scrutiny?
Minister reply
Members take military action seriously; no disagreement in the House about Assad's responsibility for crimes against Syrian people.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
What practical steps can the UK take to support bringing together appropriate Syrian representatives, enabling them to build a peaceful and stable Syria?
Minister reply
Stance readiness with UN special representative; importance of regional actors along with partners convening for future actions.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
What is the Foreign Secretary’s assessment of ensuring continued management of detention facilities holding 9,000 Daesh fighters in Syria?
Minister reply
No.1 issue for UK Government; working closely with partners to ensure safety.
Nesil Caliskan
Lab
Barking
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that this is a moment of hope for Syrian people, better for British national security as Russian and Iranian influence pushed back?
Minister reply
Welcoming appointment of Dame Margaret Hodge; joy and hope in hearts of many Syrians, moving into brighter future.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
What can the Foreign Secretary say about Britain’s role to ensure Syria does not become a dysfunctional regime, prevent terrorism from moving out, deal with genuine asylum seekers?
Minister reply
Justice for what went before; importance of counter-terrorism work.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
What discussions are taking place with Turkey regarding SDF in north-east Syria, concern about detrimental effects of Turkish actions?
Minister reply
Good working relationship with Turkish Foreign Minister; expectation to continue cooperation.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that one prerequisite of diplomatic relations must be handing over chemical weaponry, ensuring its destruction?
Minister reply
Clarification sought from rebels working with OPCW against use/preservation of stockpiles.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
Secretary of State’s view on Department’s ability to support stabilisation activity; impact of developments on African states reliant on Russia for security?
Minister reply
Recognition of aid accountability; additional £300,000 to White Helmets; assessment now that Russian capability in Syria has retreated.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Question
Welcomes the continuation of UK humanitarian aid to Syria, asks for a commitment that the future governance of Syria must be decided by Syrians, not foreign actors. Asks if the Government will support a peaceful transition to a safe, secure, stable and prosperous Syria.
Minister reply
Confirms agreement with the statement.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Question
Welcomes the fall of Assad's regime; asks for continued support to Syrian refugees in the UK and their freedom to choose whether they return or remain here.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that Syrians have been in the country for years, their lives are here, and neighbouring countries bear a large number of displaced people. Supports them going back with public services.
Solihull West and Shirley
Question
Asks about steps taken to promote the rule of law in Syria given the links of HTS to al-Qaeda.
Minister reply
Acknowledges importance of the issue, mentions proscription of HTS as an alias of al-Qaeda.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Asks about discussions with ICC for gathering evidence and building cases for justice.
Minister reply
Assures that Assad will be held accountable, mentions Russia and Putin.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Question
Asks about work by the office for conflict, stabilisation and mediation to analyse the situation and lessons from Iraq and Libya.
Minister reply
Emphasises caution due to past issues; supports working with partners on ground, supporting civil society and encouraging inclusive society.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Asks about military resources or personnel being sent to Syria.
Minister reply
States that scenario raised is highly unlikely.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Asks for assurance on foreign troops leaving Syria and respect for Kurdish minority; asks about Israeli withdrawal from Golan heights.
Minister reply
Acknowledges illegal occupation of territory; confirms UK assessment that it is occupied land.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
Asks what will happen if Israel decides not to withdraw temporarily.
Minister reply
Confirms territory as illegally occupied and reiterates UK's position.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
Asks about blocking asylum applications from Assad’s acolytes.
Minister reply
Confirms that Asma al-Assad is a sanctioned individual and not welcome in the UK.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Suggests democratic and pluralistic new political structures, involvement of moderate opposition, and prioritisation of engagement with allies and UN.
Minister reply
Agrees that Syria needs to be inclusive; mentions working with groups over many years.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Asks for protection of religious minorities in Syria from Turkish-led terrorists and HTS.
Minister reply
Acknowledges complexity of issue; supports engagement with all groups to protect minorities.
Damien Egan
Lab
Bristol North East
Question
Members from across the House, including the Secretary of State, have talked about the religious and ethnic complexities of Syria. What does the Secretary of State make of those who are calling for a federal-type system in Syria? Should the Government be giving capacity and voice to those views and approaches?
Minister reply
There have been a number of propositions in the last few days, all of which merit further scrutiny and understanding. I am not going to back any single suggestion on behalf of the UK—I think it is important that those suggestions should come from organisations on the ground, and that we continue to work with regional partners.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
Like Minister Falconer, I was at the Doha forum this weekend, and there was palpable relief among the vast majority of delegates that the brutal murderer Assad had finally fallen. However, Sergey Lavrov also attended the Doha forum, and although I boycotted his session, the readout was that he was deeply uncomfortable in answering questions about Syria—rightly so, as he has so much Syrian blood on his hands, alongside his boss Vladimir Putin. Does my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary agree that it is unacceptable for Russia to retain its two military bases in Syria, and that those bases must be closed down for the stability of the region?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a very strong point about Russian capability and desire. The two bases that exist also run operations into Africa and support militia groups on the African continent, and Russia’s long-standing, cynical desire to have a deep sea port in the region is what sat behind Putin’s support for Assad in the first place.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Question
In his statement, the Foreign Secretary referred to HTS co-operating with the international community on the monitoring of chemical weapons. Given the situation on the ground in Syria and the ongoing chaos, what confidence does he have that there is the capacity for HTS to conduct that work? Is there anything the UK Government can do to support the capacity in the region to keep those weapons safe?
Minister reply
Working with the OPCW on the ground is hugely important, and the work of the UN envoy is also essential. We will do all that we can to ensure those stockpiles are properly protected.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
There will be great jubilation at seeing the back of Assad. I very much welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement, including his reference to illicit finance, which is critically important, and what he said about building an inclusive society that protects minorities. This is a great moment of hope, but it comes with trepidation as well. The Foreign Secretary spoke of a new hope for Syrians getting their country back, and I am grateful for his clarification regarding the Golan heights. Whatever emerges from this transition, I know he shares the desire to seek a reliable partner and a supporter of democracy to replace this dreadful regime, but can he say something about the urgency of establishing that partnership and the timescale for it? What work is going on with partners to make sure that it happens quickly?
Minister reply
I am very grateful for the interest in these issues and in the region that my hon. Friend has shown over many, many years. He will understand that we are in the foothills here, and that a lot has to be done to stabilise Syria at this time.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement, and the detailed and nuanced answers he has given to what have been some complex questions are extremely welcome. One thing that is not complex is the fact that Assad is a murderer who has taken 500,000 people’s lives, and my right hon. Friend was absolutely right to resist calls to reopen channels and negotiate with him. I have two questions: one simple, one not so simple. First, does my right hon. Friend agree that every single Member of this House should welcome the downfall of Assad? Secondly, does he have thoughts on what this means for Russia? Will its catastrophic failure in Syria change its behaviour in other conflicts, including in Ukraine?
Minister reply
I think my hon. Friend can feel the united position on Assad in this Chamber. We are one of the great democratic Chambers of the world, which is why we know a dictator when we see one, and we call that out across the House.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Question
I want to echo the calls welcoming the downfall of the brutal and evil Assad regime, and just to press the Foreign Secretary a little. What steps will the Government take to preserve all the humanitarian routes available, and to ensure that a moderate, prosperous and, indeed, multi-polar Syria emerges from the present situation?
Minister reply
There is the £11 million I have announced in further aid to support the civil groups. As I have said, I have had conversations today with regional partners to ensure that those routes are available, and it is good to see people feeling able to return home.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
My right hon. Friend was right in his statement to emphasise the effects of global instability on illegal immigration into the UK. Not only is supporting displaced Syrians as they return home the right thing to do—although it is the right thing to do—but it supports the security of the UK. Can he assure the House that Syrians returning home will have ongoing humanitarian support from this Government?
Minister reply
Yes, I am very pleased to say that at the Dispatch Box.
Paul Waugh
Lab Co-op
Rochdale
Question
I join the Foreign Secretary, the shadow Foreign Secretary and everyone across this House in welcoming the demise of Assad’s brutal regime. Unlike my predecessor in Rochdale, Mr George Galloway, who tweeted his support for Assad this weekend, much to the disdain of many in my constituency, I do not mourn Assad’s demise. We should not be surprised by Mr Galloway, given that he has long been a friend of dictators across the planet. I remind the Foreign Secretary that Assad was no friend of the Palestinian people—he bombed, tortured and murdered Palestinians who stood up to him. Does my right hon. Friend also recognise their bravery today?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to remind the House that our own democracy has demagogues and charlatans who can prey on individuals. He is also right to remind us that so few were safe under Assad’s brutal regime, which saw the murder of hundreds of thousands of people.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Question
Like many in this House, I have campaigned and worked with Syrian friends in their struggle over much of the last decade, and I welcome the demise of Assad. The Secretary of State is absolutely correct that it is for the Syrian people to decide what happens next, although I greatly fear that the voices of many Syrian people will not be heard unless they are given strong international support to be heard. There is a strong pro-democracy and pro-human rights movement in Syria, particularly among women and youth-led organisations. What are the Government doing to ensure that the voices of women and youth are heard?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise the importance of women and youth. Women have been mentioned, but youth not so much this afternoon. I have been aware of youth groups in Syria over many years, and we will do all we can to amplify those voices at this time.
Shadow Comment
Priti Patel
Shadow Comment
The Conservative Government has long called for Assad's removal from power and supports his departure. Questions are raised about steps to gather evidence of crimes committed by the regime and actions taken towards justice. The impact on the Syrian resettlement programme is a concern, as well as the risk of asylum claims from former members of the Assad regime associated with human rights abuses. There is an emphasis on protecting civilians, including minorities, amidst potential instability. Steps are sought to secure borders and address criminal activities like weapons smuggling and drug production. Concerns about foreign terrorist fighters being released from prisons and risks to security posed by state weapons falling into the wrong hands are highlighted. The need for a cross-Government review of security implications is suggested.
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