At International Development questions today, I sought further help for Syrian refugees, actually in the region. I know that many constituents are concerned about helping Syrian refugees in their hour of need. I think it’s important that we help refugees in the region, as we will never be able to solve the problem by only bringing people to the UK.

It’s really important that refugees have the option to work in the region, enabling them to rebuild their lives without risking t...he dangerous journey to Europe.

You can see the full text of my question and the Secretary of State’s answer below.

You can also watch my question here: http://goo.gl/ZHiI6F

Oliver Dowden: Does the Secretary of State agree that, as the civil war in Syria continues, we should not only be using our aid budget to support refugees, but should be urging countries in the region to issue work permits so that refugees can rebuild their lives there rather than making the perilous journey to Europe?

Secretary of State, Justine Greening MP: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. People deserve the dignity of work wherever they are, and that goes for refugees. I have met people who were in the middle of studying for economics degrees and then suddenly found themselves living in camps in Lebanon or Jordan. Those people want to support themselves. If we can take a big step forward tomorrow in enabling them to work legally, we shall not only be helping countries such as Jordan and Lebanon, but helping the refugees who are currently in those countries.