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<p>The Government believes that humanitarian aid and actively seeking to end the conflicts
in Syria and Iraq are the most effective ways for the UK to help the majority of refugees,
rather than increasing resettlement. We have made our position on this clear in relevant
discussions with other EU Member States and the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR). We are aware that EU Member States have responded to the crises
in different ways; it is right that the international community should consider all
available means to relieve the suffering of the Syrian and Iraqi peoples. However,
the UK’s overall contribution stands comparison with any in the world.</p><p> </p><p>To
date we have committed £700 million to the Syrian relief effort, making us the second
largest bilateral donor after the USA, and £23 million in aid to Iraq. UK funding
is helping hundred of thousands of refugees; compared with aid, resettlement can only
ever support a comparatively small number of people in need. We also support efforts
to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict, and we are working with the Iraqi
government and the international community to tackle the threat posed by IS and promote
an inclusive, sovereign and democratic Iraq which will protect all Iraqi citizens.</p><p>
</p><p>To complement our humanitarian aid, we operate the Syrian Vulnerable Persons
Relocation scheme to relocate to the UK the most vulnerable displaced Syrians who
cannot be supported effectively in the long term in the region. In addition, the Government
carefully considers each asylum application lodged in the UK, including those made
by Syrian and Iraqi nationals on the grounds of religious persecution, on its individual
merits, to ensure we grant protection to those who genuinely need it.</p><p> </p>
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