Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for his policies of recent developments in Iraq and Syria; and if he will make a statement.

We continue to support the Government of Iraq (GoI) in its efforts to counter the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In our communications with the GoI we have emphasised the need to do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties. We have also been clear that the military campaign must be supported by meaningful political reconciliation. We therefore welcome Prime Minister Abadi’s ongoing commitment to inclusive governance and ensuring a unified political response to the current situation.

The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. Assad continues to defy the international community through his barbaric actions, including the targeting of civilians by using artillery and barrel bombs, some containing chlorine. A political transition as set out in the Geneva communiqué is more vital than ever. We will be working with the UN Special Envoy and others to help push forward a political process, helping create the right conditions on the ground by supporting the moderate opposition and putting Assad’s regime under pressure.