The UK government has pledged £50 million in humanitarian aid to support Syrians in need, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed that diplomatic contact has been initiated with Syria’s new rebel-led administration, marking a significant shift in the UK’s stance on Syria’s future governance.
Humanitarian Aid The £50 million aid package will be distributed through UN and NGO agencies, focusing on providing food, shelter, and emergency healthcare to Syrians within the country and refugees in Lebanon and Jordan. Specific allocations include:
£30 million for critical resources within Syria.
£10 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Lebanon.
£10 million to WFP and the UNHCR in Jordan.
Additionally, £120,000 has been directed to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to secure and safely dismantle Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles.
The announcement follows the Aqaba talks in Jordan, where key international players, including the US, France, Germany, and Arab nations, agreed on principles for Syria’s transitional government. These principles call for:
A non-sectarian, representative government.
Protection of human rights and minority groups.
Unrestricted humanitarian aid access.
The safe elimination of chemical weapons.
Continued efforts to combat terrorism.
Lammy emphasised the importance of Syria’s future government adhering to these values, stating, “The fall of the horrific Assad regime provides a once-in-a-generation chance for the Syrian people to build a peaceful and secure future.”
The rebel coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has sparked debates in Western governments due to its controversial history.
HTS, once aligned with al-Qaeda, remains a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK. Despite this, its leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly Mohammed al-Golani), has attempted to rebrand the group.
Lammy acknowledged the complexities of engaging with HTS, stating: “We want to see a representative and inclusive government. Using all available diplomatic and intelligence-led channels, we seek to work with Syria’s leadership where necessary to ensure stability and security.”
The US has also confirmed direct contact with HTS. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted the need for careful engagement to prevent further chaos in Syria, particularly with concerns about the resurgence of ISIS.
