Turkey and Syria Earthquake — [Sir Graham Brady in the Chair]

There are 47,000 dead in the earthquake, highlighting the human scale of the disaster. A scheme to support refugees with connections to the UK could be established as a global lead.

Expressed condolences for the earthquake victims, highlighting that about 49,000 people have lost their lives. Emphasised the humanitarian crisis with up to one million people living in tents due to temperatures approaching zero degrees Celsius. Stressed the need for additional crossing points for humanitarian assistance and intersectional approach considering structural issues affecting women and girls disproportionately.

The speaker expressed concern about the impact of the earthquake on vulnerable populations in Syria, urging the Government to reverse cuts to aid and provide a long-term funding strategy. She highlighted the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria for faster aid delivery and asked about UK asylum efforts following the disaster.

The speaker paid tribute to local communities and charities involved in relief efforts and noted the ongoing challenges of delivering aid in Syria, especially given the conflict situation. He welcomed Government actions but called for clearer assurances on how emergency aid will reach those in need.

The MP thanked her colleague for handling requests from constituents and acknowledged the stress and trauma experienced by her team in supporting those affected by the earthquake. Ms West thanked local leaders for their efforts in her constituency, highlighted the Mayor of London's visit to the Alevi Cultural Centre, and emphasised the need for ongoing support from UK Government. She also called for best practice guidelines on construction in earthquake-prone areas and asked about family reunion possibilities and medical assistance programmes. Will the Minister give particular regard to the needs of children, especially those missing education, and provide them with special psychological support and basic amenities.

The MP highlighted the immense scale of loss in the earthquakes, with over 46,000 confirmed deaths and an estimated 23 million people affected. She shared personal experiences and the heartrending impact on families waiting for help, raising concerns about the treatment of Syrian refugees and religious minorities who fear not receiving aid due to language barriers. The MP also mentioned local community efforts in north London to collect funds and aid but expressed disappointment over confiscated relief goods by appointed commissioners. Asked the Minister to look into a 90-day temporary visa offered by Germany for Syrian and Turkish people and requested information on what the UK government plans to do in this regard.

The MP expressed concern about the impact of earthquakes on Turkish and Kurdish-Turkish communities in Newport, highlighting the death tolls in regions like Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, and Adıyaman. She raised questions regarding steps taken by the international community to support survivors in less accessible areas and emphasized the need for a long-term strategy for aid. The MP also discussed heartbreaking accounts from constituents who lost family members and highlighted concerns about vulnerable individuals living under tarpaulin tents. Jessica Morden called for a temporary visa system to be implemented, similar to that offered by other European countries, to allow stranded relatives to reunite with families in the UK.

He thanked the right hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills for setting the scene and noted the UK's role in providing support to those affected by natural disasters, particularly emphasising recent aid given during the Ukraine invasion. He highlighted the scale of destruction caused by the earthquake, mentioning over 47,000 deaths, thousands injured, and hundreds of thousands forced into temporary accommodation or schools. Shannon commended charities such as DEC, UNICEF, Red Cross, Oxfam, Save The Children for their efforts and mentioned that some constituents had travelled to Turkey and Syria to assist in rescue operations. He noted the deployment of mobile kitchens and catering trucks by the Turkish Red Crescent and praised UK Government's £8 million search and rescue operation.

Jo Gideon thanked organisations for their immediate assistance after the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, noting that the UK pledged over £30 million in aid. She highlighted the ongoing humanitarian challenges exacerbated by climate change and political instability, expressing concern about the delayed delivery of aid to certain areas due to sanctions targeting the Assad regime. She emphasised the need for long-term support for rebuilding homes to prevent displacement.

The Nurture Society in Cambuslang quickly mobilised to support the local Turkish community and send vital supplies to those affected by the earthquake. Concerns are raised about US trade sanctions possibly hindering humanitarian aid delivery due to unintentional consequences.

The MP highlighted the challenges faced by communities with Turkish and Kurdish backgrounds in Hackney, where about 7,000 people have ties to Turkey or Syria. She called for a family reunion scheme based on precedents like the Syria resettlement programme and the Afghan scheme. The MP urged the government to act quickly to support vulnerable individuals such as lone children. Inquired if the Minister will ensure that the Home Office writes in detail about ongoing considerations regarding family reunion for Members present.

Expressed concern over the human toll of the earthquake, noting more than 46,000 deaths and 100,000 injured. Highlighted the impact on the Alevi Kurdish population in Türkiye and Syria, mentioning the challenges posed by the conflict in Syria. Praised community fundraising efforts and welcomed UK Government's match funding for Disasters Emergency Committee appeal but was concerned about cuts to aid budgets and called for more transparency on the £25 million aid package announced. Asked the Minister about reports of a planned cut to Syria's budget despite the ongoing crisis there. Suggested it is inappropriate to reduce long-term support during this time.

My constituent, Kholoud, has been displaced due to the earthquake in Syria and faces hostility from Turkish authorities. She is worried about anti-Syrian racism and rumours that rescue teams are prioritising Turkish nationals over Syrians.