Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the cost of repairing the damage caused to Raqqa’s infrastructure by US-led coalition operations; and what part they intend to play in the rebuilding of Raqqa.
While the conflict is ongoing, our priority is to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to those affected. Since the liberation of Ar-Raqqa from Da’esh, the UK has increased its response to meet the needs of those affected in the city and the rest of North Eastern Syria to help fund a range of activities including mine clearance; health provisions; protection; clean water; sanitation; education; food; and agricultural support. We have limited access to Ar-Raqqa at present due in part to extensive mine contamination from Da’esh’s previous occupation, which has hampered humanitarian efforts and poses a critical risk to civilians. As such, it is not possible at present to accurately assess the costs of reconstruction. The UK will only provide support for reconstruction in Syria once a credible, inclusive political transition is firmly underway.