Written question asked by Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 June 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 June 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 June 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Syria and Turkey: Humanitarian Aid

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to offer to give (1) assistance, and (2) drinkable water, to Turkey and Syria following the earthquake of 6 February.

Answer: The UK has provided lifesaving and life-sustaining assistance to those in need in Turkey and northwest Syria, committing £43 million in aid. In Syria, the UK provided £4.3 million to the White Helmets for life-saving search and rescue and emergency relief operations. In addition, we provided 242 tonnes of vital relief items to help provide protection against the freezing winter weather conditions. In Turkey, the UK provided: search and rescue capability; specially trained dogs; and treatment to over 19,000 patients by UK medical teams. UK funding has also contributed to restoring the supply of clean water, reaching an estimated 263,000 people.

Secondary information