Jamie McGrigor, Conservative MSP for the Highlands & Islands, has emphasised that the UK Government’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria is the largest ever undertaken by the UK.
The UK Government has committed a total of £500 million to help those affected by the crisis, including £100 million of aid announced last night at the United Nations by the Deputy Prime Minister.
Speaking yesterday at External Affairs Question Time in the Scottish Parliament, and prior to the Deputy Prime Minister's announcement last night, Jamie asked the Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Fiona Hyslop how the Scottish Government was co-ordinating its efforts with those of the UK Government.
The Cabinet Secretary, who, in reply to an earlier question, had reported that the Scottish Government was increasing to £200,000 its contribution to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), acknowledged the UK Government's "significant contribution" to the humanitarian aid effort and stated that the DEC works in a co-ordinated way, liaising with other agencies in the (Middle East) area and in the UK.
Speaking today, Jamie, who is the Scottish Conservative External Affairs Spokesman, said:
“Whilst the news from the Cabinet Secretary that she is doubling the Scottish Government’s contribution is welcome, it must be emphasised that the UK Government’s contribution of £500 million is the UK’s largest ever response to any international humanitarian crisis.
“This funding puts into perspective the fact that being part of the UK can really make a difference in terms of delivering support to tackle a terrible humanitarian crisis which is affecting and displacing millions of people.
“The UK Government’s world-leading efforts to support people affected by the crisis are to be commended, and I hope other countries will match our efforts”.