David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con)

- Hansard -

I am extremely proud to present this petition on behalf of nearly 1,000 of my constituents. I am very proud to say that, despite the lateness of the hour, the lead petitioners are in the Public Gallery. They are Philipp Von Der Wippel, who is a German exchange student from Munich, Sean Brearton, Joe Bird and Leandro Rispoli. They are ably led by a young man called Ibrahim, who is from a Syrian family. Sadly, the security situation in Syria is so dangerous that I cannot give his surname for fear of reprisals against his family. They are joined by Ibrahim’s brother, Karim, who has also been very active on the issue. Once again, to protect his family, I will not state his surname. These petitioners started their campaign in Heysham high school in my constituency, and have signed up fellow students, along with their friends and family.

The petition says that Her Majesty’s Government

“must do everything in its power to assist in the removal of President Assad of Syria and support the humanitarian effort to aid the people of Syria.

Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House shall urge the Government to consider taking steps to support the people of Syria in their ambition to build a free, stable and safe country.”

That is a reminder of the strength and depth of feeling on the Syrian issue. We in this House and beyond must do everything that we can to help bring about regime change in Syria, and to try to alleviate the horrendous situation faced by the Syrian people.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The Humble Petition of pupils from Heysham High School and others,

Sheweth,

That the petitioners believe that the Government must do everything in its power to assist in the removal of President Assad of Syria and support the humanitarian effort to aid the people of Syria.

Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House shall urge the Government to consider taking steps to support the people of Syria in their ambition to build a free, stable and safe country.

And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, et cetera.]

[P001106]