Syrian Constitutional Declaration

01 Apr

Question

The latest question session in the UK Parliament's House of Commons centered on the recently signed Syrian constitutional declaration. This declaration, dated March 13, 2025, promises progressive shifts in governance, emphasizing freedoms and rights crucial for Syria's future. The debate aimed to shed light on the implications of this document for UK policy and its alignment with global and local governance standards. Key points included monitoring democratic processes, supporting transitional governance, and addressing humanitarian concerns in Syria.

Content and Contributions:

Fabian Hamilton inquired about the state of UK policy concerning the Syrian constitutional declaration, focusing on ensuring peace and stability in the region. His emphasis was on addressing the aftermath of Assad’s fall and the consequent violence against minorities.
Mr. Lammy, representing the Foreign Secretary, expressed the UK’s support for the new constitution focusing on human rights developments while highlighting the financial and diplomatic measures allocated to assist Syria’s transition to peace.
Mark Pritchard raised concerns on institutional independence within the draft constitution, noting the need for enhanced separation of powers and inclusivity in appointments, highlighting potential roadblocks.

£160 million

amount pledged by the UK for support in Syria

Analysis of Specific Issues:

The session underscored concerns on potential power consolidation within the new government, impacting the efficiency of democratic institutions.
Concerns about the new regime's ability to curb violence and prevent another refugee crisis were also prominent.
Dialogues about using UK's expertise on governance to support Syria were initiated, indicating potential future collaborations.

1,500

estimated number of civilian deaths following recent violence

Outcome: The session highlighted the UK's diplomatic commitment to support Syria amid political restructuring. It also stressed on vigilance against potential authoritarian regression and ensuring rights in the newly forming Syrian government.

Statistics and Context:

Financial aid of £160 million pledged by the UK aimed at recovery and stability in Syria.
Recent violence reported to have resulted in over 1,500 civilian deaths, emphasizing the dire need for stability in Syria.

Outcome

Increased momentum towards UK-Syria cooperation on governance and stability, with an emphasis on ensuring that human rights integral to the constitutional declaration are upheld. However, concerns about real actions on the ground remain pressing.

Key Contributions

Fabian HamiltonMP

Labour

Queried the potential implications of the Syrian constitutional declaration for UK policy, particularly in the context of the recent fall of Assad and the resulting instability.

Mr LammyForeign Secretary

Labour

Welcomed the constitutional declaration's strides in human rights and governance, highlighted the UK's readiness to support Syrian transition, and assured ongoing monitoring of post-Assad instability.

Mark PritchardMP

Conservative

Expressed concerns on the draft constitution's separation of powers and insisted on inclusivity in government appointments, seeking assurances from the Foreign Secretary on strengthening governance structures.

Original Transcript

Fabian Hamilton

Leeds North East

Lab

Question

UIN: 903533

1. What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Syrian constitutional declaration, signed on 13 March 2025.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Mr David Lammy

We welcome the provisions made in the constitutional declaration on freedom of expression, freedom of belief and women’s rights. We also welcome the announcement on the formation of the new Syrian Government.

The UK stands ready to support an inclusive, stable and prosperous future for the people of Syria. We will continue to encourage inclusive governance and will work with the Syrian Government to that end.

Fabian Hamilton

I thank the Foreign Secretary for that reply. The fall of Assad was rightly welcomed by all Members of this House, but reports of mass killings of Christians and Alawites, which have now resulted in more than 1,500 civilian deaths, show that Syria is still a very unstable country.

Will the Secretary of State therefore outline what support is being given to the new Syrian Government to prevent further violence and another appalling refugee crisis?

Mr Lammy

I can assure my hon. Friend that we are following steps closely. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), will be meeting civil society groups today. My hon.

Friend the Member for Leeds North East (Fabian Hamilton) will know that we have allocated £160 million to support recovery and stability through lifesaving and other such assistance. Clearly, the recent violence was incredibly horrific and alarming.

We will continue to work with the new Government as best we can to ensure that we get the inclusive political transition that we all want to see.

Mark Pritchard

The Wrekin

Con

The Foreign Secretary will know that this is a five-year draft constitution. Does he share my concern that the legislative, Executive and judicial separation of powers in it need to be beefed up?

The appointment of the new Government appears, prima facie, to be inclusive, but does he agree that the people’s committee also needs to be inclusive given that it will be mostly appointed by the President?

Mr Lammy

Clearly, it is welcome that the new Government have moved in this direction. I reassure the right hon. Gentleman that we recognise our skills in governance and in working with allies and partners, and we will use that strength to help to support the new Government.

We are aware of his concerns and we will work with the new Government to get that better separation that he wants.

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