Syria: Druze Community

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Excerpts

Thursday 17th July 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the situation in Syria, and in particular the impact of recent events upon the Druze community and the wider Middle East.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, I beg leave to ask a Question of which I have given private notice. In doing so, I draw attention to my entry in the register as chair of the International Communities Organisation’s advisory board and adviser to the Arab Ambassadors Council.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government are deeply concerned by the recent violence in southern Syria and welcome the announcement yesterday of a ceasefire. We want to see civilians protected and the ceasefire upheld, with those responsible for violence held to account. These events risk destabilising Syria and its fragile political transition. We have been clear that Syria’s sovereignty must be respected and that the Syrian Government must protect the rights of all civilians.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister, and I know how much she has been personally engaged in the region, particularly on the humanitarian elements of the ongoing and wider conflict. That is where I wish to focus my supplementary question. What assessment has she made of the impact on the minority communities specifically in the areas that I know she is looking at very closely, not just in Syria but across the region? This morning, we have heard of further escalations in southern Syria by Israel. This, of course, impacts those who are most vulnerable: women, children and minorities. I seek the Minister’s reassurance that that is a specific focus and priority for His Majesty’s Government.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I am very happy to confirm that. These actions are destabilising and present great risk to the fragile, emerging peace that we hope can hold. There is a ceasefire from 3 am this morning; we welcome that and commend all those involved in bringing that about. But this is a very precarious situation we now find ourselves in. We are involved with the provision of humanitarian support.

I have met many Syrians who are refugees in the region. I understand their wish to return and their concerns about doing so. We are working to support them directly and also to support Governments in the region who have a role to play in supporting Syria as it goes through this very difficult period.