Oral Answers to Questions

James Clappison Excerpts

Tuesday 4th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mark Simmonds]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to highlight the appalling electoral violence in Bangladesh, which we completely condemn. We continue to support the Government structures by updating electoral registers, training polling officials and putting in place new systems for publishing details, particularly as people stand for office. Those improvements will, we hope, create and strengthen the foundations for better future elections.

[Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con)]

What assessment do Ministers make of reports that Iran is stepping up its already considerable military assistance to the Syrian regime?

[Hugh Robertson]

The simple answer is that those reports are almost certainly credible. One of the most damaging aspects of the conflict in Syria is the help given by both Iran and Hezbollah to the regime forces. That will need to stop before there can be any peace in that country.