VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Syria: White Helmets

Asked by Mr Angus MacDonaldLiberal DemocratForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 4 September 2025UIN 70253

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has taken recent steps to cooperate with the Syria Civil Defence.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

The UK has long supported the Syrian Civil Defence (also known as the White Helmets) in their vital work to facilitate humanitarian access, conduct search and rescue operations, and enable the safe removal of unexploded weapons. We are proud of this partnership and remain committed to supporting the White Helmets during its transition into the Syrian Government's Ministry for Emergency and Disaster Relief. In the financial year 2025/26, the UK has committed £2.25 million of support for them to provide emergency civil protection services and community resilience activities.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim