Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to immediately repatriate the children and widows of British citizens or residents in Syria, who wish to return to the UK; and if not, why not.

As a matter of general policy, we provide consular assistance to British Nationals not UK residents. The UK has no consular presence within Syria from which to provide assistance. This makes it difficult to help but we will take a case-by-case approach to any requests for assistance. Outside of Syria, we would of course respond to requests for consular assistance regarding British children, subject to national security concerns.

Our advice to any British national abroad who needs emergency help from the British Government is to contact the nearest British Embassy or Consulate, which in this case will be outside Syria. If a minor is unable to do so, a request can be made on their behalf. British nationals can also call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The number is clearly advertised on FCO Syria Travel Advice pages.