Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recent airstrikes in Sinjar; and what steps they are taking to strengthen the protection of (1) the Yazidi, and (2) other civilians, in the area.

We are following closely the situation in northern Iraq. FCDO Ministers and senior officials regularly reiterate to the need for dialogue and cooperation between Turkey and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, to combat terrorism, ensure regional security, and protect civilians. Our diplomatic missions are in regular contact with Turkish, Government of Iraq and Kurdistan regional Government authorities. Our focus is always on securing an end to violence and protecting civilians. The UK continues to champion on the rights of minorities, including Yazidis, in Iraq, including through working with a wide range of actors to ensure full implementation of the Yazidi Survivors Law.