Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP)

- Hansard -

I present the petition on behalf of my constituents from the coastal town of Newcastle who are deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Syria. The petition is supported by the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon).

The petition states:

The petition of residents of Newcastle, County Down,

Declares that the humanitarian crisis in Syria has already resulted in thousands of deaths and shows no sign of a resolution; further that men, women and children are targeted by air strikes and, if lucky to survive, are being forced to leave their homes, tearing families apart and often resulting in further deaths; further that these people do not ask and do not deserve to be in this situation; and further that a peaceful means to end the war should be sought, rather than the continuation of air strikes.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to help protect the rights and lives of those affected by the war in Syria through the administration of aid, food and medical care to those who remain in the country as well as those who have been displaced; and further that the Government is encouraged to find a peaceful means to end the war rather than the continuation of air strikes.

And the petitioners remain, etc.

[P001985]