Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, said:

“News that the UN has set a date in January 2014 for the long-awaited Geneva II peace conference is a positive step forward to resolving the ongoing crisis in Syria.

“A UN-led political transition remains Syria’s best chance of securing peace and ending the 32-month long conflict.

“The establishment of a transitional governing body and a complete cessation of violence by all sides will be crucial elements of any deal discussed at the January conference.

“Now that a date has been agreed, the priority must be securing the involvement of all relevant parties, including the Syrian National Coalition, and the Foreign Secretary should now do all he can to encourage the SNC to participate fully.”