Thank you for contacting me about the situation in North West Syria. First, I would like to express my gratitude to the humanitarian workers on the ground in North West Syria who are doing so at great personal risk and under very difficult circumstances. I am encouraged that the UK is funding UN and NGO partners to provide vital humanitarian assistance to people in need in Idlib, including healthcare. In six months last year, UK support meant that approximately half a million people received medical consultations.
I share your grave concerns about the escalation in military action by Russia and the Syrian regime in Idlib province. I was appalled that civilian infrastructure has been hit, including health facilities and by reports of civilian casualties and mass displacement.
The UK is using public statements, diplomatic relationships and international fora, including the UN Security Council, to increase the pressure on all parties to end the violence, return to the ceasefire agreed in September 2018 and abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, the UK is supporting innovative new technology that provides civilians in Idlib with early warnings of airstrikes in order to save lives.
The UK Government also continues to support international efforts to document violations of international humanitarian law being committed in Idlib.
It is vital that the UK continues to call out the regime and its backers for their actions and to press all sides to return to the ceasefire agreed last September at Sochi.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.