UK provides extra aid to tackle crisis in Syria

THE UK is giving an extra £15m in aid to help tackle the growing humanitarian crisis in Syria.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening yesterday also 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.

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The increase in UK aid follows United Nations calls earlier this week for extra help and takes the country’s total to £68.5m.

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 about 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.

“The UK has led the way in responding to this crisis so far.”

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