Advertisement

  1. National

Boris Johnson calls for demonstrations outside Russia embassy over Syria

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said he wants to see "demonstrations outside the Russian embassy" over Moscow's role in the Syrian conflict, he told the Commons.

An emergency Commons debate is being held into the mounting humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Earlier, former International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell drew parallels between Russia's actions in Syria and that of the Nazis before World War Two.

View all 12 updates ›

Johnson: Demonstrate outside Russian embassy over Syria

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said he wants to see "demonstrations outside the Russian embassy" over Moscow's role in the Syrian conflict, he told the Commons.

Mr Johnson's call came after Labour's Ann Clwyd urged those who care about the plight of Syrian civilians to gather outside Russian embassies across the globe until the country stops its bombing campaign.

The Cynon Valley MP who served as special envoy on human rights in Iraq from 2003 until 2010, said worldwide protests would make it "crystal clear" to Russia and the regime of president Bashar Assad that "we think their actions are deplorable".

Mr Johnson also warned that the "wells of outrage are growing exhausted" as the city of Aleppo faces destruction.

While Mr Johnson said the UK must take its share of refugees, the "overwhelming priority must be to help those nearest the centres of conflict and to keep them as near to their communities as we can".

The MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip added that Russia must "do the right thing" and work towards a ceasefire in Syria.

More top news