PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(23 February 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2026 to PQ 108008, what the outcome was of her Department’s engagement concerning religious minority political representation in Syria; and what initiatives she is supporting to promote inclusive governance and improved conditions for those communities.

Asked by:
Dr Rupa Huq (Labour)

In all of our engagement with the Syrian Government, we have been clear of the importance of ensuring a fair representation of Syria's diverse communities in positions of authority and consulting widely on planned next steps for Syria's transition. We believe that this is fundamental to re-building trust and supporting Syria's longer-term stability. The Foreign Secretary raised the importance of inclusive governance and the need for greater representation of all groups, including women, with the Syrian Foreign Minister al- Shaibani during his visit to London in November. I also recently met with members of the UK Kurdish community to discuss their views on the 30 January agreement and their hopes for the future.

Since the recent escalation began, we have regularly engaged both the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces and continue to press both sides to implement the 30 January agreement peacefully and in full, whilst also safeguarding humanitarian space and ensuring Kurdish participation in decision-making.

Answered by:
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