Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Syrian Constitutional Declaration

Tuesday 1 April 2025 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Fabian Hamilton thanked the Foreign Secretary for the reply regarding the situation in Syria, noting concerns over mass killings and civilian deaths.
  • The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, along with other officials, will meet with civil society groups to discuss the Syrian situation.
  • Mark Pritchard inquired about the draft constitution's separation of powers, expressing concern over its current state and the need for improvement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

Reports indicate mass killings of Christians and Alawites in Syria, resulting in over 1,500 civilian deaths. This raises concerns about the stability of the country despite the fall of Assad being welcomed by all Members.

Question

I thank the Foreign Secretary for that reply. The fall of Assad was rightly welcomed by all Members of this House, but reports of mass killings of Christians and Alawites, which have now resulted in more than 1,500 civilian deaths, show that Syria is still a very unstable country. Will the Secretary of State therefore outline what support is being given to the new Syrian Government to prevent further violence and another appalling refugee crisis?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

We are following steps closely. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), will be meeting civil society groups today. My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds North East (Fabian Hamilton) will know that we have allocated £160 million to support recovery and stability through lifesaving and other such assistance. Clearly, the recent violence was incredibly horrific and alarming. We will continue to work with the new Government as best we can to ensure that we get the inclusive political transition that we all want to see.

Answered
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Q2 Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin
Foreign Affairs
Context

There are concerns about the five-year draft constitution of Syria, particularly regarding the separation of powers and inclusivity in the people’s committee.

Question

The Foreign Secretary will know that this is a five-year draft constitution. Does he share my concern that the legislative, Executive and judicial separation of powers in it need to be beefed up? The appointment of the new Government appears, prima facie, to be inclusive, but does he agree that the people’s committee also needs to be inclusive given that it will be mostly appointed by the President?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

Clearly, it is welcome that the new Government have moved in this direction. I reassure the right hon. Gentleman that we recognise our skills in governance and in working with allies and partners, and we will use that strength to help to support the new Government. We are aware of his concerns and we will work with the new Government to get that better separation that he wants.

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