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Turkey and Syria Earthquakes
01 March 2023
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about turkey and syria earthquakes 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
With permission, I addressed the House on the situation in Turkey and Syria following recent earthquakes. The death toll across both countries stands at over 48,000 with approximately 25 million people affected. I acknowledged the immediate humanitarian response from Britain, including deploying a search and rescue team to Turkey, funding £4.3 million for the White Helmets in Syria, and delivering relief items through civilian and Royal Air Force flights. The UK has also announced an additional £25 million to bolster its humanitarian efforts. Notably, the British public donated over £100 million to aid these regions via the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. Beyond immediate responses, the UK continues to support multilateral organisations such as Education Cannot Wait and the World Bank in their recovery efforts for both countries.
Karl Turner
Lab
Feltham and Heston
Question
Given the ongoing displacement caused by these earthquakes and existing conflict conditions, could you elaborate on how the UK plans to ensure that Syrian refugees are adequately supported?
Minister reply
We have been working closely with the UN and other partners to address the urgent needs of displaced persons both in Turkey and Syria. The Ministry has made commitments towards ensuring continuous support through humanitarian aid channels and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
David Rutley
Con
Macclesfield
Question
What steps is the UK taking to ensure that displaced families, women, children, and those with disabilities receive adequate assistance?
Minister reply
The UK has prioritised vulnerable groups in its aid efforts. The £25 million funding will particularly focus on these populations, providing essential items such as food, water, hygiene kits, and shelter materials.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Bow
Question
How is the UK engaging with local authorities in Syria to ensure effective distribution of aid?
Minister reply
We are actively working through our diplomatic channels, including leveraging our presence on the UN Security Council, to facilitate access for humanitarian agencies. We will continue to push for greater coordination and cooperation between local authorities and international aid providers.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
Question
The MP expressed concern about the need for ongoing support beyond initial response efforts, including emergency accommodation and humanitarian aid. She questioned funding allocation and the impact of planned cuts on current crisis management.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that Britain has delivered 3,350 tents to both Syria and Turkey, along with thermal blankets, and discussed Education Cannot Wait's $7 million allocation for educational support. He assured that despite reduced figures compared to previous years, the UK's contributions remain significant.
Question
The MP reported from his recent visit to Syria, expressing revulsion at ongoing drone missile attacks and difficulties with humanitarian aid access in the north-east autonomous region.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by those affected, particularly due to Assad's regime and Russian intervention. He praised Martin Griffiths of the UN OCHA for successfully negotiating the opening of borders.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
Question
Expresses condolences for the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, welcomes the Department's decision to send support to Turkey, and questions whether the UK will provide additional funding to the World Food Programme. Also asks about Government attendance at a donor conference and whether aid will be flown through Qamishli.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the work of British service and search and rescue personnel, confirms that the UK is a significant funder of the World Food Programme but no immediate decision to provide additional funding has been made. Confirms that Britain's commitment to aid delivery in Syria remains strong.
Robert Courts
Con
Oxford West and Abington
Question
Thanks RAF Brize Norton for their assistance during the crisis, particularly the tactical medical wing.
Minister reply
Agrees with the MP's statement and acknowledges the exceptional support provided by the Royal Air Force.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Question
Asks for details on the UK Government’s long-term commitment to NGOs and UN partners in Syria, focusing on help for communities to rebuild their lives.
Minister reply
Details the £100 million raised from across the country allocated to 15 British and international charities, with £43.3 million already deployed to Turkey and the White Helmets receiving £4.3 million. Emphasises the deployment of resources through multilateral funds such as the Central Emergency Response Fund.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Question
Thanks local residents, businesses, schools, churches, charities for their efforts in collecting donations and aid.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the magnificence of the response across the country to the situation in Turkey and Syria.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Asks if the Government will consider a new expedited temporary visa scheme for those with relatives in the UK.
Minister reply
No plans to introduce such a scheme, but confirms that consular services are back up and running quickly after the crisis.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Asks how individuals can ensure their donations reach frontline organisations effectively.
Minister reply
Suggests giving donations through the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal to 15 respected organisations on the ground.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
Question
Asks why the Government will not support calls for an expedited temporary visa scheme for family members affected by the earthquake.
Minister reply
Explains that Britain has been doing everything it can to help, including setting up field hospitals and emergency medical clinics in collaboration with Turkish counterparts.
Question
Thanked the minister for his statement and inquired if the additional commitment to Education Cannot Wait would mean more funding in the future.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by stressing the importance of education post-disaster, stating that Education Cannot Wait's $7 million support is a positive step towards recovery.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Question
Expressed gratitude for civil servants and aid workers. Asked about the role of the United Nations in aiding civilians.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked her for her comments, acknowledging that the UN has been instrumental in delivering aid post-earthquake.
Kate Osamor
Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Question
Asked about the current state of the crisis reserve fund and its allocation.
Minister reply
The Minister explained that the Crisis Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is now deploying $50 million, with the humanitarian budget having flexibility for additional deployment.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Asked why many buildings collapsed and inquired about cross-border remittances.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the Turkish authorities are addressing this issue. He also agreed to look into easing cross-border remittance procedures.
Pontypridd
Question
Inquired about specific healthcare needs for women due to give birth in affected areas.
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted the government's efforts to provide basic health and hygiene support, including water and sanitation.
Question
Asked about preparation and contingency planning for future earthquakes.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the government continuously considers such matters in terms of humanitarian need and resilience, addressing various global challenges.
Shadow Comment
Preet Kaur Gill
Shadow Comment
I thanked the Minister for his statement on the tragic earthquakes. Labour emphasised the need to continue supporting Turkey and Syria not just in immediate response but over a long-term period given the significant ongoing needs including emergency accommodation, food, healthcare, water, sanitation, and most critically, shelter. While praising the UK’s rapid initial support, I questioned if further direct financial support was planned as well as whether recent cuts of £6 million to £8 million would still go ahead. Additionally, Labour stressed the importance of extending humanitarian access beyond three months for aid delivery in Syria.
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