Norfolk has a long and rich tradition of providing help and support to those fleeing persecution and conflict in other countries, and that’s why I was delighted to join the Bishop of Norwich at the Coalition for Global Prosperity’s “Tackling the refugee crisis, why does Syria matter for Norfolk?” event on Friday.

The event was chaired by Richard Porritt (Eastern Daily Press), with panellists Dee Robinson (Project Co-ordinator for New Routes) and Mohamed Eldaly (a Syrian refugee and Activist) joining us, and together we discussed the ongoing refugee crisis, how best we can work as a country to help tackle it and how we can all work together to help those who are being resettled here.

I discussed my recent trips to Lebanon over the past twelve months too, and how I saw British foreign aid being used for a variety of vitally important causes – most notably to help educate Syrian children who have fled the violence. These are Syria’s people of tomorrow and giving them a good education will be absolutely key if we are to help them rebuild their country and return stability for their people. (To read more about my visits to Lebanon, please click here, here and here)   

It is my belief that our foreign aid must form part of a much wider British aid, trade and security strategy that plays a fundamental part in shaping our country’s vision for a post-Brexit Britain. With a long term strategic view, I believe we can continue to use the great strengths we have as a leading knowledge economy to help export our skills and services, and change the world around us for the better by bringing peace and prosperity to those who so desperately need and deserve it.

I look forward to continuing my work with the Coalition for Global Prosperity, and all of those present on Friday, closely.