Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that aid can pass freely into Türkiye following the recent earthquakes.

The UK is working in close coordination with the Turkish authorities, the United Nations and NGO partners to ensure that aid makes it to those who are most in need, including vulnerable and minority communities. The UK responded immediately to provide life-saving support to Turkey and Syria. In Turkey, a UK International Search and Rescue team arrived in Gaziantep on 7 February and commenced operations within the critical 72-hour rescue window and from 14 February, we deployed a world-class UK medical team, field clinic and field hospital to Turkey. The UK has committed a significant package of aid, including by delivering thousands of vital items such as tents and blankets to Turkey and Syria, totalling over 400 tonnes. The Disasters Emergency Committee appeal, now exceeding £100 million, includes £5 million of the UK Aid Match. UK aid, ranging from search and rescue to medical care, has helped thousands of survivors in Turkey and Syria. Over 9,000 patients have been treated by UK medical teams in Turkey as of 7 March.