Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Turkey about that government reportedly removing olives and olive trees from Afrin Province in Syria to Turkey; and whether they will publish any responses received.

The Minister for Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan, has had a number of recent conversations with his Turkish counterparts over the conflict in Syria, as have his ministerial colleagues and the Prime Minister. We are closely monitoring the situation in North East Syria. Whilst we recognise Turkey's legitimate interest in the security of its borders, it remains in our shared interest to focus on achieving a political settlement that ends the war and suffering, provides stability for all Syrians and the wider region, and secures the enduring defeat of Daesh.

We are aware of the media reports regarding the removal of olives and olive trees, and are currently working to ascertain the validity and veracity of the allegations.