Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 12 March 2018 to Question 131113, on Syria: Armed Conflict, what progress has been made in implementing UN Security Council resolution 2401 since the adoption of the resolution calling for its full and immediate implementation on 5 March 2018; and if he will make a statement.

UN Security Council Resolution 2401 has still not been implemented due largely to the regime and Russia’s failure to abide by its conditions. Pro-regime forces have continued to bomb Eastern Ghouta. The UN has reported that since 18 February 2018, over 1,100 civilians have been killed and over 4,000 have been injured. Only two humanitarian convoys have been permitted to deliver aid for approximately 54,000 people, a fraction of those in need, and medical supplies were removed from both convoys by the regime. 129 people, including 25 medical cases were evacuated on 13 March but around 1,000 serious medical cases remain. The regime's advance displaced around 12,000 people on 14-15 March. The UK is continuing to exert diplomatic pressure, including through the UN Security Council. On 7 March, the Security Council discussed the situation at the UK and France’s request. On 12 March, the UK organised an informal briefing on the situation of the Security Council by Syrian opposition and humanitarian actors. The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump on 4 March to discuss the appalling situation in Eastern Ghouta and agreed that Russia must use its influence on the regime to cease the campaign of violence.