With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement on Syria.
Events in Syria over the past few days are deeply concerning.
We are working as quickly as possible to establish from reliable sources of information what exactly happened and who was responsible.
But reports that large numbers of civilians have been killed in coastal areas in ongoing violence are horrific.
As the Foreign Secretary made clear in his statement yesterday, the interim authorities in Damascus must ensure the protection of all Syrians and set out a clear path to transitional justice.
This is a critical moment for Syria, Mr Speaker, and for the interim authorities to demonstrate their intent to promote stability and to govern in the interests of all Syrians.
Since the fall of Assad on 8 December, our priority has been to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition, one that leads to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government.
We have been clear that anyone seeking a role in governing Syria should demonstrate a commitment to the protection of human rights, unfettered access for humanitarian aid, safe destruction of Assad’s chemical weapons stockpiles, and combat terrorism and extremism.
This is the only way forward towards a more stable, free and prosperous future for Syria – and for Syrians – who suffered for so long under the brutal Assad regime.
We have consistently emphasised this message in all our diplomatic engagement with the interim authorities and in concert with international partners. We will continue to focus our diplomacy to this end.
The UK is engaging privately and regularly with the interim authorities at every level, including through Ministers and our Syria Envoy.
We support them in taking steps that will deliver a more stable, free and prosperous future for the Syrian people.
We welcomed the announcement by interim Syrian President Al Sharaa on forming an inclusive transitional government, leading to free and fair elections. We welcomed the National Dialogue conference held on 25 February.
But the violence over the weekend demonstrates that more needs to be done to bring Syria’s different groups together, and we urge the interim authorities to urgently establish a clear process and timeline for the next phase of the transition.
Representative figures from across Syria need to be appointed to the transitional government and the recently announced Legislative Council.
Our overarching objective is to see a stable Syria.
In addition to supporting an inclusive political process, we are also focused on preventing escalation of conflict in northern Syria; tackling security threats, including the threat from terrorism, and destruction of chemical weapons.
We are also supporting economic recovery through lifting some sanctions and scaling up humanitarian assistance.
The UK, like our partners, imposed sanctions on Assad’s regime to hold him and his associates accountable for their oppression of Syria’s people.
This Government has, in recent weeks, made changes to those sanctions.
First, by issuing a General Licence to support transactions for humanitarian activities in Syria.
And last week we also revoked the asset freezes of 24 entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, which had been imposed to prevent Assad from using financial assets in conducting his vile oppression.
Mr Speaker, we keep all our sanctions regimes under close review.
We target them on those who bear responsibility for repression and human rights abuses.
It is also important that we take steps that support the economic development that Syria’s people desperately need.
The humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire for millions of people. Over 16 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.
We will continue to support those in need across Syria, where it is safe to do so. Through NGO and UN organisations, we are providing food, healthcare, protection and other life-saving assistance, in addition to agriculture, livelihoods and education programmes.
Since December, the UK has announced over £62 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable Syrians inside Syria and across the region.
In conclusion, Mr Speaker, this is a critical, fragile moment for Syria. The country faces significant challenges as it transitions after almost fourteen years of conflict.
Stability in Syria is firmly in our interests. The UK remains committed to the people of Syria and will continue to stand with them in building a more stable, free and prosperous future.
I commend this statement to the House.
