Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Monday, 2 March 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 March 2020. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 16 March 2020 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Syria: Ceasefires

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to help to secure an immediate ceasefire between all warring parties in Idlib province in Syria.

Answer: We are actively pressing for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to the crisis in Idlib. The Foreign Secretary discussed Idlib with the US Secretary of State Pompeo on 1 March and travelled to Turkey on 3-4 March to support Turkish efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities. We have repeatedly raised the issue at the UN Security Council and called for an emergency Council session to discuss the urgent situation in Idlib on 28 February. We have also made clear the urgent need for a ceasefire in our contacts with the Russian Government.

Secondary information