This Library Note provides background reading in advance of the debate in the House of Lords on 1 July on recent developments in Syria, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Debate on 1 July: Recent Developments in Syria, the Middle East and North Africa (846 KB , PDF)
This Library Note provides background reading in advance of the debate in the House of Lords on 1 July on recent developments in Syria, the Middle East, and North Africa. It provides in-depth information and material on Syria, and a brief summary of recent developments in selected countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Egypt and Libya). This Note adds to and updates information provided in House of Lords Library Note LLN 2012/029 Recent Developments in the Middle East (13 July 2012).
Debate on 1 July: Recent Developments in Syria, the Middle East and North Africa (846 KB , PDF)
The US government has recently shifted its approach to Ukraine, engaging in direct negotiations with Russia regarding the conflict’s resolution, pursuing a minerals agreement with Ukraine, and temporarily halting military aid and intelligence sharing. During these developments, the UK government has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine through financial and military assistance, in addition to hosting a peace summit and committing further military aid.
The Palestine Statehood (Recognition) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat). The bill would require the UK government to formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state.
![Palestine Statehood (Recognition) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 37 of 2024-25](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/Foreign-Policy-VIGs-568x426.jpg)
The global landscape has changed significantly over the last couple of decades. This has led to questions about the UK’s current global standing and its ambitions. This briefing considers these issues in the context of the UK’s membership of international organisations, and its defence policy, foreign policy, and influence through soft power, the economy and aid spending.
