Written question asked by Baroness Cox (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 2 October 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 October 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Syria: Sanctions

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 1 October (HL17712), whether they conduct impact assessments on sanctions as a matter of general policy; whether they conducted such an impact assessment for sanctions against Syria; if so, when; and if not, why not.

Answer: The British Government has conducted an impact assessment for each listing under the EU Syria sanctions regime. These assessments were most recently considered collectively ahead of an EU annual review which concluded in June. The EU Syria sanctions regime prohibits the export of oil from Syria and support to that industry; and prohibits making economic resources (which may include oil) available to any designated person or entity. Exemptions and licences apply to this sanctions regime, in order to minimise any detrimental effects on ordinary Syrians, including to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid. However, Syrians continue to suffer the Assad regime's economic mismanagement, for which the regime blames international sanctions. Sanctions remain a key lever to press the regime to engage seriously with the political process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL17989
Session: 2017-19
Related items: Syria: Sanctions
Monday, 9 September 2019
Written questions
House of Lords
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Sanctions Syria Impact assessments
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk