As Syrian pro-government forces advance on the last handful of rebel-held districts in Aleppo, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding. Thousands of people are trapped in the city. The UN has reported that Syrian forces have been entering homes in eastern Aleppo and killing those inside, including women and children.

It is essential that the UK Government does everything in its power to ensure that civilians in Aleppo are protected. There simply isn’t a moment to lose. The UK should not rule out any options for delivering aid to the people of Aleppo, including air drops. 

In December 2015, Russia voted in favour of resolution 2254, urging all parties to allow humanitarian agencies to allow rapid and unhindered access in Syria. We call upon Russia to obey that resolution and compel Assad to agree to a truce and allow the UN permission to deliver the supplies that are so desperately needed in Aleppo.

It is essential that the UK Government keeps up the pressure and does everything possible to make Russia see sense and join us in pressing for a peaceful political solution in Syria away from Assad.

| Click here for emergency debate entitled Aleppo/Syria: International Action