A release from the Home Office has been issued in the last half hour:
“The Home Office has paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims whilst we assess the current situation. We keep all country guidance relating to asylum claims under constant review so we can respond to emerging issues.”
This is along with other European countries like Germany and Austria. Not that anyone told the Foreign Office…
Foreign Secretary Lammy is currently up in the Commons answering questions on his Ministerial Statement on Syria. Asked by Richard Tice if the government would do the same Lammy just said “that has not been put to me in the last few hours, the issue that has been put to me is humanitarian aid in country… the consensus of this House and the significant funds that we have supported Syria with should reassure people of our intent to support people on the ground in the region.” No one’s told him…
Meanwhile Starmer has slapped down Pat McFadden’s claims this morning that a decision to de-proscribe Syrian rebel group HTS will be expedited. He says “no decision is pending at all” and “we mustn’t get ahead of ourselves.“ A communications maelstrom…
Sarah Pochin at Reform Scotland’s manifesto launch event: “I really wanted to come on in a Reform tartan burka, but apparently I wasn’t allowed… One day let’s do one of these events not live-streamed. We’ll do all the naughty stuff…”