UK pledges £348 millions of humanitarian aid to Syria

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has welcomed news that the UK has pledged £348 million of humanitarian aid to Syria and is working to ensure that more is done through  better co-ordination with other agencies.

His comments follow official figures showing that there are now over 2 million refugees as a result of the Syria conflict. Over half of the refugees are children. Nearby countries are feeling the strain and Lebanon in particular (population 4 million) is due to accommodate 1 million refugees.

The UK’s aid has provided clean drinking water for nearly 1 million people; food has been given monthly to 285,000 people; 300, 000 people have had medical consultations and the same number of blankets and kitchen sets have also been handed out.

Simon said:

“The Syrian crisis is not only one of war and peace but also one of desperate conditions for families and children.

“I am proud that the UK has provided support for so many who have become destitute and who need the help of others around the world.

“I was pleased in a recent letter to me from the Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, which stated she is working with other agencies to ensure that more assistance is given and that the maximum effectiveness is gained from every pound spent.”