Written question asked by Lord Truscott (Independent Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 November 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 November 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Syria: Kurds

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to protect the Kurdish population of Northern Syria.

Answer: The UK has taken bilateral and multilateral action to end the Turkish military incursion into north-east Syria. We have been consistently clear with Turkey on our opposition to its military action– the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Minister for the Middle East and North Africa each communicated this to their Turkish counterparts, most recently on 26 October. We therefore welcome the fact that the ceasefire is holding and that Turkey has confirmed it has no plans for a further offensive. We continue to call for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access throughout Syria, including at the UN Security Council.

Secondary information