UK to give an extra £15m in aid to help tackle growing Syrian humanitarian crisis

Britain is giving an extra £15 million in aid to help tackle the growing humanitarian crisis in Syria, the Government announced today.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening warned that deteriorating security conditions are stopping aid agencies reaching people in dire need of help, with many Syrians left without food, water and shelter.

More than 40,000 people are believed to have been killed since Syrian president Bashar Assad's brutal crackdown on rebel forces following the popular uprising last March.

The increase in British aid follows United Nations calls earlier this week for extra help and takes the UK total to £68.5 million.

It will be used to buy blankets and coats for 56,000 Syrians to help them survive the winter and will fund clean water for around 66,000 people as well as food and medical supplies.

Eight armoured cars will also be given to humanitarian agencies to improve safety for aid teams working in conflict areas.

Ms Greening said: "The continuing fighting in Syria is creating areas of desperate need across the country, making the work of the aid agencies increasingly vital.

"This new UK aid will help ensure people have the basic supplies they need to survive the harsh winter months.

"Where aid is getting through to hundreds of thousands of people, it can be the difference between life and death. The UK has led the way in responding to this crisis so far and we will continue to stand alongside the Syrian people in their time of need.

"The armoured vehicles we're providing will help to improve safety for humanitarian workers, but the call for free access for aid agencies and respect for international humanitarian law has never been more urgent."

PA