Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Turkey to identify the level of support that is needed to deal with any expected influx of refugees to Turkey from Idlib province; and what support they intend to provide as a result of such discussions.

The UK maintains a regular dialogue – at all levels – with the Turkish authorities on a range on humanitarian issues, including contingency planning for large scale movements of people from Idlib and surrounding areas, as well as support for those currently located in the Northwest Syria.

The UK is supporting refugees and host communities in Turkey through EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey (FRIT). The FRIT is supporting refugees and host communities by building schools, providing health services and social welfare payments for the most vulnerable refugees, to alleviate pressure on Turkish communities hosting refugees. The UK committed €328 million to the FRIT in 2016, as well as an additional €155 million in 2018.

The UK is already supporting those living in Northwest Syria, and has boosted this support in preparation for a regime offensive in the region. On 13 September, DFID announced additional aid funding of up to £42 million for Northern Syria. This money will help to provide Syrians affected by a regime military offensive with shelter, clean water and sanitation, mental health services, and support of health workers and facilities.