Banbury MP praises work to help Syrian refugees

Mrs Prentis spoke during the Foreign and Commonwealth Office questions in Westminster on Tuesday morning. She asked Secretary of State Philip Hammond MP: “What diplomatic support the Government is providing to the countries surrounding Syria to help displaced people.”

Mr Hammond explained that the UK was the second largest donor supporting Syrian refugees in the region.

As part of her supplementary question, Mrs Prentis praised those who had found ways to support refugees who had been displaced to countries surrounding Syria, including through the Singing for Syrians campaign that she led.

She asked: “Does my Rt Hon Friend agree that the UK can be proud of this response to the UN appeal for aid for those suffering in Syria. Including, if I may say so with you in the chair Mr Speaker, the response of many members of this house – including yourself – to my own Singing for Syrians initiative. Does he agree that other countries should follow our lead?”

The Secretary of State responded “I very much welcome my Honourable friend’s Singing for Syrians initiative. That, and initiatives like it, show an extraordinary solidarity with Syrian refugees.”

Speaking later that day, Mrs Prentis added: “I was blown away by the level of support shown for the Singing for Syrians campaign, and know it will be an even stronger campaign this year. It is right that we do what we can to support those in need.”