Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 29 October 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 November 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 4 November 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Syria: British Nationals Abroad

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 29 October (HL109), how many repatriations of British citizens or residents now in Syria, in particular in the north-east, have so far been achieved through their case-by-case approach; and whether they are seeking the help of both non-governmental organisations and international organisations to ensure the process supports those people affected effectively.

Answer: We do not routinely comment on individual cases. We can confirm that in the last 12 months there have been a small number of British children who have left Syria and returned to the UK via third countries. As a matter of general policy, we provide consular assistance to British Nationals not UK residents. The UK has no consular presence within Syria from which to provide assistance. Each case is considered on an individual basis. As the Foreign Secretary has said, the Government will work with a range of partners in Syria and at home to facilitate the return of unaccompanied or orphan children where feasible and subject to national security concerns. This includes both non-governmental organisations and international organisations.'

Secondary information