🙏 Syria

• The UK Government welcomed the fall of Assad’s regime in Syria but noted that violence and conflict persist across the country.
• A US-brokered ceasefire in north-east Syria between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Türkiye-Syrian National Army has been extended, yet the situation remains unstable.
• Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) has appointed a Prime Minister for an interim government until March 2025, but details about the new government are scarce.
• The UK supports a Syrian-led political transition aligned with UN Security Council resolution 2254, aiming for an inclusive and representative government.
• The UK urges the transitional government to commit to human rights protection, humanitarian aid access, safe destruction of chemical weapons, and countering terrorism.
• An Arab Foreign Ministers’ meeting and subsequent discussions with international partners reiterated support for a Syrian-led political transition.
• The UK is engaging with HTS in Damascus to support a peaceful and inclusive transition, despite HTS being a proscribed terrorist organization.
• The UK has announced a £61 million aid package to help provide emergency healthcare, nutrition, and support for displaced Syrian children.
• There are concerns over the legitimacy of HTS’s governance and its potential impact on the UK’s proscription system, which the government clarifies will not be affected.
• The UK remains vigilant about Iran’s potential interference in Syria and its support for militant groups.
• MPs expressed concerns about the protection of minorities, particularly religious and ethnic groups, in the transition period.
• There is a focus on accountability for past atrocities and ensuring that future governance protects all Syrians, including women and children.
• The UK calls for international cooperation to support Syria’s reconstruction and the safe return of refugees, while advocating for the destruction of chemical weapons.
• Discussions highlighted the need for HTS to uphold human rights, especially women’s rights, and to be judged on actions rather than just promises.
• The government emphasized the importance of international support and engagement to ensure a stable and peaceful future for Syria.
• MPs raised questions about the reopening of the UK embassy in Syria and ensuring the protection of Christians during the transition.

The disagreement rating for this session is 2 out of 5 due to the following observations: While there is a clear division on some policy details and concerns raised, particularly around the engagement with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the use of UK aid, the overall tone of the debate remains mostly civil and focused on policy critiques and questions rather than personal attacks or strong divisions. The Minister and the speakers from various parties express a collective desire for a stable, peaceful Syria, albeit with different approaches and concerns. For instance, the shadow Minister, Wendy Morton, raises critical questions about the legality and implications of engaging with HTS, and there are varying opinions on managing the transition and supporting the Syrian population. However, these disagreements are expressed within a framework of constructive dialogue about how best to aid Syria, without escalating into severe conflict or dissent.