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ALEPPO/SYRIA: INTERNATIONAL ACTION
13 December 2016
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 36
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about aleppo/syria: international action in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Mr. Andrew Mitchell opened the debate by highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and action to save lives in Aleppo, emphasising the destruction of hospitals, lack of food and water, and reports of civilians being executed. He called on the UK government to push for unfettered access for humanitarian teams into Aleppo once Government forces are in control, and organised evacuation for those wounded or caught up in the catastrophe.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Mr. Stephen Doughty questioned whether the situation was becoming a Srebrenica-like scenario, drawing parallels to atrocities seen in Bosnia.
Mr. John Redwood asked if the Syrian regime would allow humanitarian interventions without counter-attack and disaster, to which Mr. Andrew Mitchell responded affirmatively if Russia could be convinced of no downside from allowing such actions.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Mr. Toby Perkins emphasised the importance of international pressure amid Russian propaganda suggesting Aleppo's 'liberation'.
Steven Baker
Con
Wantage
Mr Baker supported Mr Mitchell's argument, suggesting that any motion brought before the House should be based on a comprehensive plan to deliver peace backed by the UN.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Ms Thornberry agreed with Mr Mitchell’s call for international action, condemning Russia and Assad for their role in Aleppo's destruction. She outlined four points of action: pressing Russia and Iran to allow safe passage from eastern Aleppo; securing humanitarian aid through airdrops or drones; ensuring protection for medical professionals; and collecting evidence for future accountability.
Mary Creagh
Lab
Coventry East
Ms Creagh highlighted the risk that medical staff might not be allowed to leave Aleppo, potentially facing detention or massacre by regime forces. She emphasised their importance as potential witnesses in criminal proceedings against those responsible for war crimes.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
McGovern stresses the urgency of protecting Syrian civilians and urges the Foreign Secretary to support a ceasefire, secure humanitarian aid delivery, and ensure legal monitoring of atrocities. She criticises the Government's approach as insufficient and calls for immediate action.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Stewart discusses the practical requirements for establishing a safe humanitarian corridor to eastern Aleppo, emphasising the need for Syrian Government and Russian approval, UN oversight, and the potential risks involved. He highlights the difficulty of ensuring safety without combat.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
Bradshaw echoes the shadow Foreign Secretary's statement that the crisis in Syria shames all involved parties and emphasises the consequences of inaction, including the potential dismantling of the global rules-based order established post-Srebrenica.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Is my right hon. Friend as anxious as I am? With Putin and Russia linked to interference in the American election, with the bombing of Syria leading to a refugee crisis in Europe and with many central European countries looking inward, like we are, Putin’s expansionist tendencies and desire for a warm port should make the Foreign Secretary think carefully about the actions from this point on onwards.
Anna Turley
Lab Co-op
Redcar
There is no doubt that the civilian atrocities taking place at the hands of Assad and Putin in Aleppo are among the worst that we have witnessed in decades. As a teenager watching the horrors of Rwanda or Srebrenica, I used to think, “Why don’t they do something?” Well, “they” are now us, and what are we doing? We have turned our face away. It is three years since this place voted not to respond to Assad’s use of chemical weapons on his own people. It is 15 months since little Alan Kurdi was found face down on a beach in Turkey. It is a year since we rightly voted to take action on ISIS in the east of Syria and nine months since Jo Cox was granted an urgent question on breaches of the then ceasefire. It is two weeks since we stood here and discussed aid drops and safe passage. What have we actually done to save a single civilian life in Aleppo? Nothing.
John Woodcock
Lab
Barrow and Furness
It is a pleasure to follow a wonderful speech, but we have said “never again” so many times. We mean it when we say it, but then, a few months or years later, it comes to nothing. It is this House’s responsibility to stand up and show hope for the future, optimism and a way through the current problems, but like my right hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr Bradshaw) I feel a sense of sorrow, shame and anger about where we are today.
John Woodcock
Lab
Barrow and Furness
The right hon. Member for Tatton gave a speech that should have been made at the Opposition Dispatch Box, showing an understanding of the issues which makes him hopeful about his future in politics. John criticises the lack of action taken against Russia's intervention in Syria, emphasising the need to restore a world with consequences and dignity. He calls for leadership from the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to address the crisis.
Tooting
Feeling humbled but guilty about being able to go home while Syrian parents are burying their children, Rosena emphasises the urgency of action for humanitarian aid and protection of civilians in Aleppo. She calls for a strategy from the Government on how they will protect those trapped in Aleppo and for immediate negotiations for safe passage.
Craig Whittaker
Con
Halifax
Reflecting on 2013 when he voted to do nothing, Craig questions what hope Syrians had at that time and what they have now. He emphasises the need for action from the international community to protect civilians in Syria.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Drawing on his experience visiting Sarajevo and Srebrenica, Stephen reflects on past decisions made regarding intervention. He expresses concern about the consequences of inaction and the fetishisation of Russia by both the populist right and left.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Expressing pride in speeches made during the debate, Toby questions the relevance of following debates on less pressing matters. He calls for senior figures to take responsibility for decisions made regarding Syria.
Stewart McDonald
SNP
Dumfries and Galloway
Expressed concern over the incoming US Administration's relationship with Russia, highlighting the need for the UK Government to press seriously on the sanctions issue.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Raised concerns about the failures of the UN Security Council and advocated for supporting the 'Uniting for Peace' resolution process. He questioned the Foreign Secretary on actions to secure a ceasefire, protect aid convoys, evacuate civilians and document human rights abuses. Emphasised the importance of taking immediate action due to ongoing atrocities in Aleppo.
Tom Brake
Lib Dem
Carshalton and Wallington
Discussed the war in Syria and highlighted the need for a meaningful immediate ceasefire, safe passage for civilians, and documentation of human rights abuses. He also suggested hitting Russians where it hurts them economically through legislation like the Magnitsky amendment to seize assets of foreigners who have committed gross human rights abuses.
Arfon
Highlighted the terror used as a part of Syria's regime’s armoury and advocated for an immediate ceasefire, safe passage for civilians, and continued aid commitments from the UK government. He emphasised that taking action on humanitarianism is in Britain's interest.
Mary Creagh
Lab
Coventry East
Ms Creagh discussed the consequences of inaction during the Syrian conflict, emphasising how it led to increased influence for Russia and the rise of ISIS. She mentioned the lack of understanding during war times, highlighted the importance of information sharing through social media, and criticised the failure to intervene following chemical weapon use despite drawing a 'red line'. Ms Creagh also called upon the Foreign Secretary to address the evacuation and rescue of UK charity workers in Aleppo and questioned what action will be taken at the EU Council.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Ms McGovern supported her colleague, Mary Creagh, by asking for more information about the fate of civilians who have risked their lives to report on the conflict in Syria.
Mary Creagh
Lab
Coventry East
Ms Creagh continued to address the issue of civilian risks and solidarity between NHS workers and those providing medical aid in Aleppo. She highlighted ongoing communication with Dr Omar Ibrahim, a neurosurgeon working in the region, and criticised the lack of effective action despite calls for safe humanitarian corridors.
Tommy Sheppard
SNP
Mr Sheppard started by sharing a letter from a constituent who expressed disappointment at the lack of intervention. He questioned the outcomes of military action in Syria and argued that Britain needs to take a more assertive role, engaging with Russia while calling out Turkey for supporting al-Nusra Front and mistreating Kurds.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Mr Grady reflected on the ongoing debate about Syria, particularly Aleppo. He questioned why military action could occur but humanitarian aid couldn't be delivered efficiently and called for practical solutions to address both immediate needs and future peace.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
The humanitarian crisis in Aleppo requires immediate action. The Government must prepare for the delivery of aid when stability arises, and there are practical solutions like air drops or an air bridge system that should be explored.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Supports her colleague's call for specific steps to deliver humanitarian aid. Urges the Government to provide concrete proposals and alternatives to the current situation in Aleppo.
Boris Johnson
Con
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
The UK has used every diplomatic lever at its disposal to address the crisis, but Russia's veto has prevented action at the UN Security Council. The Government continues to gather information for potential war crimes prosecutions and is pushing for tighter sanctions against Russia.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Questions what consequences will follow from Russia's actions, particularly in relation to the veto at the UN Security Council.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Asks for specific action proposals that the Prime Minister should take when she attends the European Council next week to protect civilians and address the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
Asked Boris Johnson about whether he understood historical parallels in foreign policy, specifically that Labour had shown leadership and assembled a coalition to stop the genocide in the Balkans. He implied criticism of Boris for not taking similar actions.
Anna Turley
Lab Co-op
Redcar
Asked the Foreign Secretary to give way, but was denied due to time constraints.
John Woodcock
Independent Group for Change
Barrow and Furness
Also asked Boris Johnson to give way during his speech, which he declined.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Asked Boris Johnson about the pressure on Russia and why the UK Prime Minister should propose actions at the European Council. She referenced the 2013 vote but also questioned current inaction.
Tom Brake
Liberal Democrats
Carshalton and Wallington
Asked Boris Johnson to give way, which he declined due to time constraints.
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