Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he had discussions with his Syrian counterpart on a timetable for democratic elections in Syria during his recent official visit; and whether it remains his policy to support national elections in Syria.

The Foreign Secretary visited Damascus on 5 July where he renewed UK-Syria relations and discussed the need for an inclusive political transition which delivers for the Syrian people. We welcome the Syrian President Al Sharaa's commitment to hold free and fair elections, and the recent announcement of the Supreme Electoral Committee for the People's Assembly Elections. This is an important step in building legitimate legislative and electoral processes. It is vital now that the process is genuinely inclusive, representative and respects the rights of all Syrians.