Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with (1) the government of Syria, and (2) other international partners, about the protection of Christian places of worship and Christian communities in Syria.

Further to the written ministerial statements I made to the House on 28 January (HLWS1285) and 29 April (HLWS1560), UK ministers and officials continue to support the efforts of the new Syrian government to build a more stable, inclusive, and representative country, where Christian communities and other religious minorities are protected from persecution and allowed to play their full part in Syria's transition. The importance of that inclusive political transition was further emphasised with President Al Sharaa, during his visit to the UK on 31 March.