Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether further military action by coalition forces in Syria and Iraq will further displace civilians; and what plans are in place if that happens.

The UK and our coalition partners are doing all we can to minimise the risks of civilian impact of coalition military action. The UN has reported that airstrikes have caused some local-level internal displacement, but the ongoing conflict is the main cause of displacement of civilians. In both Syria and Iraq, the UN carries out regular humanitarian contingency planning exercises, including preparing for the potential impact of military operations. UK humanitarian advisors on the ground are also monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work closely with the UN, international partners and the Government of Iraq to ensure that effective plans and coordination structures are in place to respond to a variety of scenarios.

The UK is also providing substantial humanitarian assistance for those affected by the conflict. To date the UK has pledged £800 million to respond to Syria crisis and a further £39.5 million for those affected by conflict in Iraq.