Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with governments in the Gulf about the provision of reconstruction assistance to Syria; and what assessment they have made of withholding such assistance.

The UK has not had discussions with governments in the Gulf about the provision of reconstruction funding to Syria. We remain clear that we will not consider providing such assistance without a credible, substantive and genuine political process firmly underway. The UK calls upon all parties to engage in a political process that helps create a calm, safe and neutral environment, which will be vital if free and fair elections are to take place. The UK is focussed on delivering life-saving humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict. We engage with a broad range of international partners to encourage sustained international support for the humanitarian effort in Syria (including governments in the Gulf).