Turkey and Syria Earthquake
Debate between Feryal Clark and Lord Brady of Altrincham(1 year, 9 months ago)
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Feryal Clark
I thank my hon. Friend for her kind words and for her support to the Türkish-speaking community in Hornsey and Wood Green.
As I was saying, local community centres across north London and the UK have spent day and night collecting funds and aid to send to Türkiye. Local faith groups in Enfield, including Jewish, Sikh, Christian and Muslim groups, came to the centre to show their support and make donations. It has been hugely heart-warming for the Türkish and Kurdish community in this time of crisis.
Sadly, the aid that was sent to Alevi faith centres for distribution in Türkiye to purchase much-needed tents and goods has been confiscated. The Government have appointed commissioners to these centres and they are unable to distribute the funding, which is really heartbreaking for my community. My community has some serious questions for the Government, which I hope the Minister will be able to answer.
Those who remain in the disaster zone have lost their homes, possessions and family members. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that 5.3 million people have been displaced by the earthquake in Syria alone. The winter weather is making life extremely difficult for survivors.
Sir Graham Brady (in the Chair)
Order. Would the hon. Member resume her seat? The time limit has passed.