Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many aid air-drops the UK has made in besieged areas in Syria since the start of the conflict.

Aid delivered by road by trusted humanitarian partners (including the UN) is by far the most effective way to meet needs in Syria and to ensure that it reaches those most in need. Airdrops are high risk and not capable of delivering many of the types of aid on a scale that could meet key needs (e.g. safe drinking water, shelter, health support). Crucially, the consent is needed of those who control the airspace and those on the ground that could threaten aircraft. There is nothing to suggest that the Assad regime would provide such consent if it remained intent on blocking land access.

The UK continues to demand full and sustained humanitarian access to besieged locations across Syria at the UN and at every opportunity, and we have called on all parties to take all feasible measures to protect civilians, as required under international humanitarian law.