Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Lebanon

Tuesday 8 September 2020 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK committed 25 million to aid the most vulnerable people affected by the Beirut explosion.
  • Minister engaged with Lebanese officials to support political stability and reviewed autonomous sanctions regime.
  • UK reviewed refugee resettlement routes from Lebanon based on pandemic situation and commitments.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Royston Smith Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asked about the government's response to the Beirut explosion and its aftermath, noting that the Lebanese people were already suffering from civil war consequences.

Question

What steps are the Government taking to support the Lebanese people since the explosion in Lebanon on 4 August 2020? The MP mentioned the UK medical, humanitarian, military, and logistics experts deployed after the blast and asked about further actions.

Answer from James Cleverly

Our thoughts remain with those affected by the Beirut explosion. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and I spoke with Lebanese officials. We deployed medical, humanitarian, military, and logistical support immediately after the blast. The UK committed £25 million to help the most vulnerable people in Lebanon.

Answered
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Q2 Philip Dunne Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questioned the government's efforts to bring about a stable political settlement in Lebanon, especially regarding Magnitsky-style sanctions.

Question

What is being done by the Minister to help bring political stability to Lebanon? The MP also asked if the Foreign Secretary would consider introducing Magnitsky-style sanctions if any political leaders were found culpable for destabilising actions. He highlighted the need for international support in this matter.

Answer from James Cleverly

My right hon. Friends have engaged with Lebanese officials to ensure stability. We support Lebanon through various means, including military aid. Our humanitarian efforts are aligned with diplomatic ones. Future designations under our autonomous sanctions regime will be reviewed but cannot be speculated upon now.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Future designations under the Magnitsky sanctions regime

How: Not Wishing To Speculate

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Q3 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP questioned the resumption of safe and legal routes for refugees to enter the UK, highlighting the need for action amidst ongoing issues in Lebanon.

Question

Now that the pandemic situation is stabilising, will the Minister take steps this week to assist in restoring safe refugee resettlement routes from Lebanon? The MP highlighted the Prime Minister's previous commitment of helping 20,000 vulnerable refugees and suggested reopening these routes as a priority.

Answer from James Cleverly

As of March this year, the UK had taken in 19,768 out of 20,000 committed refugees under the Prime Minister's initiative. Future acceptances will depend on the pandemic situation and will be reviewed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Immediate action towards reopening resettlement routes

How: Covid Situation Review

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Q4 Royston Smith Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP inquired about conversations between the UK and other countries regarding potential investment to aid Lebanon's economic recovery, given concerns over Hezbollah.

Question

Has my right hon. Friend had discussions with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf states on what they can do to help Lebanon? The MP mentioned the reluctance of investors due to fears about funding going to Hezbollah.

Answer from James Cleverly

My hon. Friend is correct; we have spoken with our friends across the region about supporting the Lebanese people. We can assure him that UK money committed to support Lebanon was targeted directly at vulnerable individuals and did not go through Hezbollah.

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Q5 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asked about the UK Government's plans to work with international allies, such as France, on aid delivery and Beirut port reconstruction.

Question

How are the Government planning to collaborate with international partners like France to ensure rapid aid delivery and port reconstruction in Lebanon? The MP highlighted the importance of Beirut as a crucial entry point for UN aid to the region.

Answer from James Cleverly

My right hon. Friends engaged swiftly at high levels and coordinated with international leaders. British experts were deployed to help with the port's technical rebuilding efforts, demonstrating our commitment to the Lebanese people.

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