Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Beirut: Humanitarian Support

Monday 21 September 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • HMS Enterprise was the first foreign ship to reach Beirut after the explosion to survey the blast zone and share data on hazardous materials.
  • Defence diplomacy is crucial for ensuring that aid reaches those in need in Beirut.
  • Defence attachs stationed in Lebanon facilitated access for advisers to provide targeted support after the disaster.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Randall
Foreign Affairs
Context

Following a significant explosion in Beirut, Tom Randall seeks information on the UK government's response to assist humanitarian efforts.

Question

What support has his Department provided to the humanitarian efforts in Beirut?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Within days of the explosion, HMS Enterprise was deployed as the first foreign ship to reach Beirut, tasked with surveying the blast zone and sharing crucial data on hazardous material blocking the port approaches. Additionally, targeted support was provided for Lebanese armed forces coordinating the humanitarian response including a field kitchen and tents for 500 people, two medical cold storage containers, and a team of advisers.

Answered
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Q2 Tom Randall
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

While acknowledging the MOD's initial humanitarian response, Tom Randall questions how to ensure aid effectively reaches those in need and discusses a specific example of misappropriated aid from Sri Lanka.

Question

How is he going to ensure that aid reaches the people who need it and how important has defence diplomacy been in providing support?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Defence diplomacy is crucial for ensuring assistance delivered on the ground reaches those who need it. Our network, including defence attachés stationed in Lebanon immediately after the disaster, facilitated access for advisers to provide targeted support. The aim is always to ensure aid reaches its intended recipients.

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