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ALEPPO
03 May 2016
Lead MP
Jo Cox
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Jo Cox raised concerns about aleppo 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to make a statement on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Aleppo, Syria. She emphasised the urgent need for international action to stop attacks on civilians and called for mechanisms to deter further barbaric attacks, including a no-bombing zone and airdrops to besieged communities.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Outlined the severity of the Syrian conflict, stating that half the population have been displaced and more than 13 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. He emphasised the UK's efforts to find a political solution through UN-facilitated peace negotiations and called on Russia to ensure the cessation of hostilities is respected.
Jo Cox
Lab
Batley and Spen
Critiqued the Secretary of State for his absence and questioned the effectiveness of current efforts. She raised concerns about civilian casualties, hospital attacks, and the need for a no-bombing zone. She also asked about evidence linking abuses to high-level state officials and urged closer collaboration between leaders to protect civilians and aid besieged communities.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Responded by acknowledging the Secretary of State's absence due to a visit to Latin America. He reiterated that Syria is primarily responsible for civilian deaths, called on Russia to use its influence effectively, and discussed challenges with airdrops versus truck deliveries. He also mentioned Saudi Arabia's role in bringing opposition groups together.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Questioned whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has sufficient capacity to read Russian interests accurately, citing recent statements by President Assad and Russia’s UN ambassador regarding Syria’s territorial ambitions.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Considers the air strikes in Aleppo unjustified under international law, emphasises the need for humanitarian access and peace talks involving key allies such as Saudi Arabia, questions whether the ceasefire is genuine and highlights increased collusion between Assad's regime and Daesh.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
None
Acknowledges the work done by Jo Cox and Diana Johnson, emphasises the importance of collecting evidence for future prosecution under international law, mentions the role of EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in peace talks, discusses oil sales between Assad regime and Daesh, supports ongoing military actions against Daesh despite political negotiations.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Asks about the current advice given to non-Daesh opposition groups opposing Assad, highlighting previous government support for these groups.
Patrick Grady
Lab
North Glasgow
Calls for urgency in addressing the destruction of Aleppo's infrastructure, prioritises a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery, questions UK's role in peace talks led by US and Russia, and urges reconsideration on accepting unaccompanied refugee children from Europe.
Helen Whately
Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Emphasises the need for Assad's exclusion from any endgame scenario in Syria, questions Russia’s stance towards supporting Assad, seeks clarity on how to influence Russian allies.
David Winnick
Lab
Walsall North
Highlights the scale of crimes against humanity committed by Syrian government compared to Daesh, criticises failure to act against Assad's use of chemical weapons.
James Grey
Con
North Norfolk
Stresses the importance of Russia in finding a long-term solution but notes current difficulties in communication with Russian officials and suggests temporarily setting aside issues like Crimea for dialogue on Syria.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Emphasised the need to recognise the interlinking issues of sanctions against Putin and refugee movement, highlighting Russia's influence over Assad. He also discussed intelligence gathering in Aleppo despite difficulties, urging for Russian involvement in peace talks.
Ann Clwyd
Lab
Asked the Minister about a draft statement from NGOs working in Aleppo regarding the absence of safe humanitarian intervention and mechanisms to document violations of international law. She questioned if this situation is accurately reflected by the government.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Argued that Assad must be accepted as part of Syria's current reality, stating he has support and is capable of fighting ISIL. He criticised UK's non-intervention policy towards Russia and suggested a need to cooperate with the US for peace.
Mike Gapes
Lab
Questioned the long-term strategy mentioned by the Minister, suggesting failure was due to not imposing no-fly zones in 2011 and 2012. He suggested non-intervention may not always be the best policy.
Bob Stewart
Con
Expressed concern over safety of unaccompanied children refugees, suggesting they might be safer in camps rather than wandering around Europe and questioned if this could be a better approach.
Kevan Jones
Lab
Asked about the pressure being put on Iran regarding its support for Assad's regime, both directly and through proxies like Hezbollah. He inquired whether dialogue with Iran has been initiated as part of the Iran deal.
Richard Benyon
Con
Highlighted challenges faced by NGOs running hospitals in Aleppo being bombed repeatedly, urging for a framework to ensure safe areas and air corridors for humanitarian aid delivery.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Requested the Minister to confirm the number of children killed recently, asking about government efforts in providing medical care for children in Aleppo.
North Cotswolds
Asked for clarification on what 'political transition' means and whether it could involve Assad or his officials in a temporary transitional government.
Tom Brake
Lib Dem
Inquired about the Secretary of State's representations to Russians following the al-Quds hospital bombing, seeking details on requests made and responses received.
David Rutley
Con
Asked about progress in shaping plans for post-conflict reconstruction in Syria once peace is achieved, acknowledging more than five years of conflict.
Ruth Smeeth
Lab
Meir
Expressed concern about the lack of shared understanding between Russia and other nations regarding history and diplomacy, questioning the government's vague approach to bringing Russia to the table for discussions.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bolton West
Responded to Ruth Smeeth's concerns about Moscow visits, highlighting the need for a better understanding of Putin’s intentions. Emphasised collecting evidence on crimes against humanity and supporting Christian communities in Syria.
Seema Kennedy
Con
South Ribble
Asked about the protection given to Christian communities and other refugees in countries neighbouring Syria, welcoming the government's commitment to gather evidence regarding crimes against humanity.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Called for specific action from the UK and its European partners to try to kick-start a peace process in Syria, questioning the effectiveness of current talks.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Gillingham and Rainham
Questioned why the Minister was optimistic about ongoing talks despite the conflict being 'out of control', highlighting that Aleppo is a critical area for opposition discussions.
Torfaen
Asked how any ceasefire could ensure the resumption of medical facilities, considering the severe shortage of doctors in Aleppo.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Stressed the urgency to pressurise Russia as time is running out for the people trapped without food and medical supplies in rebel-held eastern Aleppo.
Lisa Cameron
SNP
Cowdenbeath
Asked about progress made in negotiations regarding aid trucks entering Aleppo, and questioned whether high-altitude airstrikes and air drops could be reconsidered if no progress is made.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Inquired about the evidence gathered on perpetrators of attacks on civilians in Syria from unmanned aerial vehicles and Sentinel aircraft, requesting information on how this evidence is presented to the UN.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Denton and Reddish
Highlighted the sickening bombing and shelling of Aleppo by Assad regime, questioning the extent of collusion between the Assad regime and Daesh. Asked for efforts being made to bring all sides together.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Asked about the assurance that British airstrikes are focused and have not resulted in civilian casualties, given reports of collusion between Assad regime and Daesh.
Steven Paterson
DUP
East Antrim
Inquired about recent contact with peshmerga to discuss their role in defeating Daesh and building a stable future for Syria.
Government Response
Acknowledged the severity of the situation and outlined UK efforts to address it through diplomatic channels, humanitarian aid provision, and political negotiations. He emphasised the need for Russia to put pressure on Assad to allow access to besieged areas. Acknowledges work by MPs, discusses ongoing efforts to address the situation in Aleppo including collecting evidence against war criminals, supports humanitarian aid efforts through conferences and international pledges, highlights importance of political transition excluding Assad. Discussed the complexities and challenges faced in Aleppo with respect to intelligence gathering, Russian influence over Assad, and cooperation with Russia for peace talks. He also addressed concerns about humanitarian aid delivery, medical care, and post-conflict reconstruction. Provided detailed responses regarding evidence collection, support for Christian communities, humanitarian aid efforts, and the necessity of pressurising Russia. Emphasised the urgency of getting talks back on course to resume cessation of hostilities.
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Assessment & feedback
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