UN Syrian Refugees Programme Debate

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Department: Home Office

UN Syrian Refugees Programme

Madeleine Moon Excerpts
Monday 20th January 2014

(10 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Harper Portrait Mr Harper
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My hon. Friend will of course know that we continue to talk to our partners in the Gulf on this issue, as on many others, and they and we keep this matter under review. I know that they are providing help and support where they can as well.

Madeleine Moon Portrait Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab)
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We know that al-Qaeda and the Syrian Government have been targeting medical personnel, including British medical personnel who have gone to provide assistance. Given that there are problems with accessing medical aid in Syria and in the neighbouring countries that are providing asylum to refugees, is it not right that the UK offers humanitarian admission—not refugee status—to this country for those needing medical aid, including children, disabled children and those who have been tortured? Is it not our moral responsibility to act in that way?

Mark Harper Portrait Mr Harper
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What the hon. Lady says about medical support for people who require it—critically injured or sick people—is very important, which is why the work we are doing with the World Health Organisation has supported, across Syria and in neighbouring countries, nearly a quarter of a million people. That is a significant number, and it is far more than anyone is talking about providing for in the United Kingdom.