Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Foreign Secretary’s visit to Syria

10 July 2025 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Proposed by David Lammy Lab Tottenham

Foreign Affairs

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • David Lammy updates the House on his recent visit to Syria, highlighting the UK's renewed diplomatic engagement with the country.
  • The UK is committing 94.5 million in humanitarian aid and 2 million for chemical weapons destruction.
  • The UK is lifting certain sanctions and establishing a UK-Syria Business Council.

Issue summary

David Lammy updates the House on his recent visit to Syria, marking the UK's renewed diplomatic engagement with the country.

Action requested

The UK is committing £94.5 million in humanitarian aid and £2 million for chemical weapons destruction, lifting certain sanctions, and establishing a UK-Syria Business Council.

Key facts

  • This was the first visit by a UK Minister to Syria in over 14 years.
  • Assad's regime ended after 14 years of civil war.
  • Over 90% of the Syrian population is living in poverty.
  • The UK committed an additional £2 million to support OPCW's chemical weapons destruction work.
  • A further £94.5 million was announced for urgent humanitarian aid and Syria’s recovery.
  • Sanctions were lifted on key sectors, including asset freezes on entities like the Central Bank of Syria.
  • Foreign Minister al-Shaibani committed to co-operating fully with OPCW.
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