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ALEPPO
28 November 2016
Lead MP
Alison McGovern
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 47
At a Glance
Alison McGovern 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
The humanitarian catastrophe in Aleppo, exacerbated by Syrian regime forces and allies, has led to severe suffering for civilians. The situation is dire with no functioning hospitals and ongoing airstrikes; the UN's efforts have failed repeatedly due to blockades by the regime.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Called upon Russia and Iran, key influencers on the Syrian regime, to use their power to end the siege of Aleppo. Stressed that ending this assault requires a ceasefire and full humanitarian access. Emphasised there can be no military solution and diplomacy must take precedence.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Highlighted the worsening situation since her last appearance, including increased attacks on Aleppo leading to civilian displacement and lack of aid. Urged for immediate airdrops of humanitarian assistance as suggested by the White Helmets and cross-party members.
Fiona Mactaggart
Lab
Asked what actions were being taken currently to address the situation in Aleppo, seeking clarity on immediate steps beyond diplomatic efforts.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Called for the government to use all diplomatic means available to secure humanitarian access and a ceasefire for negotiations under UN auspices.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Wyre Forest
Stated that Britain's humanitarian effort should be praised, noting £2.3 billion in aid provided. Highlighted the risks involved with airdrops and the complications of kit landing in unintended areas.
Mike Penning
Con
Hemel Hempstead
Briefly stated that British planes would be shot down if they attempted airdrops.
Hugo Swire
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
Emphasised the urgency of the issue, advocating for Britain to show leadership in convening partners and initiating peace talks while proposing concrete ideas to alleviate suffering in Aleppo.
John Bercow
Constitutional
Paddington
Called for order, assuring that everyone would have a chance to speak without interrupting others.
Glasgow Central
Congratulated the hon. Member for Wirral South on securing the urgent question and highlighted the deteriorating conditions in Aleppo, urging the Minister to act despite challenges.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Warned of the high risks involved with conducting airdrops in a non-benign environment, stressing that Parliament would be responsible for any loss of life should it vote for such action.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds Central
Expressed shame at the inability to bring aid to those trapped and emphasised that air drops are a last resort. Called on the Minister to take necessary steps if this situation represents such an extremity.
Alistair Burt
Con
Barnet and Camden
Expressed sympathy for the Government's efforts in Syria, highlighting difficulties in securing humanitarian access. Asked if it is possible to secure permission for airdrops as promised earlier.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Responded to questions regarding the International Syria Support Group's efforts and the difficulty of gaining necessary permissions for aircraft. Acknowledged historical failures in securing parliamentary support and expressed willingness to explore options further.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
Called on the Minister to reconsider airdrops based on recent calls from Labour MPs and former Foreign Office Ministers for such action. Criticised the Government's failure in winning parliamentary support previously.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Asked about refugees' willingness to return to Syria if the regime prevails, receiving an affirmative response from the Minister.
John Woodcock
Lab
Barrow and Furness
Pressed for more concrete action from the Government, questioning the legitimacy of the Minister's stance against unilateral or multilateral missions due to potential risks.
Edward Garnier
Con
Harborough
Suggested that the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence should revisit the proposal for airdrops in 10-14 days, allowing for thorough consideration and debate on the matter.
Tom Brake
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Asked about discussions with foreign Governments regarding the feasibility of airdrops, receiving confirmation that these issues are being discussed at various levels including the International Syria Support Group and UN representatives.
Eddisbury
Inquired about evidence gathering for international war crimes tribunals, to which the Minister confirmed that such actions were indeed being taken but details could not be disclosed due to operational sensitivity.
Fiona Mactaggart
Lab
Slough
Rejected the implication that those opposing airstrikes in 2013 are responsible for current inaction and questioned what concrete steps the Minister plans to take to deliver aid to starving communities.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Acknowledges the difficulty in conducting airdrops and highlights Russia's pivotal role in influencing Assad. He also discusses the possibility of bypassing UN legal processes to act without Security Council resolutions.
Mike Gapes
Lab
Ilford South
Questions whether the UK should have acted earlier, before 2013, when Assad began murdering peaceful protesters. He argues that we need to act now despite the lack of UN Security Council resolutions.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Argues against unilateral action and emphasises peace as a priority over more military intervention, suggesting engagement with all parties including Assad's regime and Russian backers for a peaceful resolution.
Gisela Stuart
Lab
Birmingham Edgbaston
Requests the Minister to meet Monzer Aqbiq of Syria’s Tomorrow Movement next week to discuss Syria’s future.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Inquires whether the Prime Minister discussed airdrops with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit last week.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Questions why there is not more enthusiasm for conducting airdrops now, as there was for bombing operations in the previous year. She emphasises public concern over the worsening situation.
Richard Drax
Con
South Dorset
Highlights the risks involved with unilateral airdrops and expresses concerns about the safety of service personnel if such missions were to be conducted unilaterally.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Points out Russia's excessive use of force in various conflicts, emphasising the need for a robust approach towards Putin. He questions how the Government will maintain such an approach.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay
Questions what lessons can be learned from the current situation regarding the enforcement of international law and preventing similar atrocities in the future.
Discussed the challenges of international law and the UN's inability to address the crisis in Syria due to veto power from permanent members. He highlighted the bombing of humanitarian convoys and emphasised the need for a political solution that does not rely solely on military activity.
Mary Creagh
Lab
Coventry East
Critiqued the current approach to delivering aid, pointing out the failure of previous attempts and the dire situation in Aleppo where medical facilities are non-functional. She questioned the government's ability to find a safer way to deliver aid.
Asked if Britain would chart its own foreign policy position regarding Syria and Russia, especially in light of statements made by President-elect Trump.
Mentioned the plea from Bana al-Abed on Twitter for urgent humanitarian relief. He questioned the Foreign Office's discussions with international bodies and asked if RAF had a role in easing the humanitarian disaster.
Asked how many aircraft or trucks would be required to supply Aleppo’s population of 250,000 with essential needs.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Pressed for a statement from the Government on air drops to strengthen its hand in negotiations at the international level.
Asked about the impact of past parliamentary votes, specifically referencing the vote in August 2013, and questioned how the UK would respond to potential military retaliation against its planes.
Asked what measures could be taken with international partners to hold responsible parties accountable for war crimes in Syria.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Called on the Government to update Parliament on the options being considered and to set out a plan of action given the urgency of the situation faced by civilians in Aleppo.
Expressed concern over civilian deaths since the latest assault and asked the Minister to commit to pushing Cabinet colleagues to accept more refugees from Syria.
Anna Turley
Lab Co-op
Redcar
Asked about alternatives, such as drones or unmanned aircraft, for carrying out airdrops to deliver humanitarian aid. She emphasised the moral imperative of intervention to save lives in Aleppo.
Asked about contingency plans so that when permission is given for aid drops, they can begin immediately.
Kate Green
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Voted against airstrikes in 2013 but supports the need for action now. Echoes calls for a fully worked plan to be brought to the House explaining risks so that informed decisions can be made.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bolton West
Discussed recent meetings and observations from John Kerry regarding lack of appetite for more action in Aleppo. Emphasised the need to hold similar debates in other capital cities. Discussed engagement with Iran and US President-elect on Syria policy.
Alan Brown
SNP
Clydebank and Milngavie
Asked about UK Government's efforts to counter Iranian influence in the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo, particularly given the context of the nuclear deal.
Tom Blenkinsop
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Inquired about conversations with US President-elect regarding rapprochement policies towards Russia and Assad regime. Asked about potential consequences for UK policy if unilateral action is required due to US policy changes.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Pressed the Minister on discussions with Russia regarding aid delivery in Aleppo, reiterating calls for cessation of hostilities and resumption of political talks.
Paula Sherriff
Lab
Dewsbury
Brought up a point of order regarding administrative errors by the Department for Work and Pensions leading to families losing out on tax credits. Asked about opportunities to scrutinise Ministers over this issue.
Government Response
Acknowledged the urgency of the situation but emphasised that unilateral or multilateral aid drops could be dangerous. Stressed ongoing efforts to document war crimes and secure long-term accountability. Reiterated the need for full parliamentary support. Emphasised the complexities involved with airdrops and the need for permission from Syria to ensure safety of aid delivery efforts. Responded to various queries regarding airdrops, emphasising the need for UN approval and highlighting the complexity of such operations due to security concerns. Acknowledged historical failures in winning parliamentary support. Discusses the challenges involved with airdrops, emphasising that such actions must be conducted through UN permission to maintain neutrality. He also highlights Russia's pivotal role in influencing Assad and discusses previous international initiatives. Responded to questions by emphasising the complexity of providing humanitarian relief and working with international partners towards a political solution. He highlighted challenges such as Russia's veto power in the UN Security Council, the bombing of aid convoys, and the need for more discussions with allies like the US on how to exert greater pressure on Russia.
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