Written Statement (Wales): Syria - Dec 11

Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: The Welsh Government has been watching the extraordinary events unfolding in Syria. As foreign policy is a reserved matter, the UK Government has confirmed that it is monitoring the situation closely and is in contact with international partners and many Syrian contacts. The coming days and weeks will reveal what impact the recent events might mean for the wider region and Syria.

I support the Prime Minister in his statement of 8 December welcoming Assad's departure and emphasising the importance of a political solution and calling on all sides to protect civilians and minorities. We will join the UK Government in calling on all parties to support humanitarian access.  

Wales has become home for over 2,000 Syrians since the conflict began in their homeland and we are mindful that Syrian Welsh people and families will no doubt be watching the developments unfold in Syria. Many arrived in Wales from 2015 onwards and have become valued members of our communities, contributing to our economy and public services. Wales prides itself on being a Nation of Sanctuary and we will, of course, continue to monitor the situation and support the Syrian community in Wales as the situation becomes clearer.