North-West Syria

Stephen Gethins Excerpts

Monday 2nd December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

I call Stephen Gethins, whose question will no doubt be very clear.

[Stephen Gethins (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry) (SNP)]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker; hopefully I will be clear in my question.

I concur with the Minister’s reflection on the devastating humanitarian consequences over the past 13 years. On the interconnectivity of conflicts, he mentioned the Russian attacks, which he will agree are of a similar nature to those we have seen elsewhere targeting civilian infrastructure. As such, what discussions has he had with European partners in particular, given the lack of reliance we may soon have on the United States, when it comes to a common approach on any political process, the targeting of disinformation, such as that rightly highlighted by the White Helmets, and a humanitarian response to international agencies?

[Hamish Falconer]

We issued a statement jointly with the French and the Germans over the weekend. We remain in close co-ordination on humanitarian matters and, as I think the hon. Member was alluding to, on the importance of ensuring that the Russians understand that there is a common European position and that we are appalled by the kind of targeting of civilians we have seen in north-west Syria and in so many other places by Moscow.