The situation in Syria has entered an unprecedented and transformative phase. In just over a week, the regime of Bashar al-Assad, long a symbol of brutality and oppression, has fallen. Cities like Aleppo, Hama, Daraa, Homs, and Damascus have been freed from the grip of his dictatorship, marking a historic turning point for the Syrian people.

This UK Labour Government has consistently stood firm in its opposition to Assad’s barbaric regime. Unlike some in the international community who chose to re-engage with Assad, this government refused to legitimise a dictator who amassed power through atrocities, including chemical weapons attacks on his own people, illicit finance, and systematic oppression. His fall is not just a victory for the Syrian people, but also a blow to his allies, Russia and Iran, whose attempts to prop him up have ended in humiliation.

However, the collapse of the Assad regime brings with it both opportunity and danger. The UK Government recognises the immense challenges that remain. Syria is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with 17 million people in need of aid and millions more displaced. Many Syrian refugees have begun to cautiously return, but the stability of their future is far from guaranteed.

The UK’s response is guided by three priorities:

1. Protecting Civilians and Minorities: Syria’s long sectarian violence has devastated communities, and ensuring the safety of all civilians remains paramount. The UK has already provided over £4 billion in humanitarian aid, including emergency medical support and last week, we gave a further £300,000 to vital organisations like the White Helmets. The Prime Minister has also announced an additional £11 million in aid to address immediate needs.
2. Securing a Political Solution: Sustainable peace requires an inclusive, negotiated settlement. The UK is engaging with international partners, including the UN, to support a path toward unity and stability for Syria, led by Syrians themselves.
3. Preventing Regional Escalation: The Middle East is fraught with interconnected conflicts, and Syria has been a flashpoint for terrorism and extremism. Groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), while instrumental in Assad’s downfall, pose their own risks. The UK will monitor their actions and the broader security situation to ensure lasting peace and to combat threats like Daesh.

The Assad regime’s reliance on illicit finance, including the Captagon drug trade, underscores the broader dangers of corruption as a tool for dictatorships. Illicit finance drives up crime and house prices here in the UK. This government is committed to tackling these networks. We are bolstering our anti-corruption efforts with £36 million in new funding for the National Crime Agency and sanctions targeting the illicit gold trade and other criminal activities.

The UK is at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to navigate this critical moment. The Prime Minister’s engagement with leaders in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and high-level discussions with Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and the UN reflects our commitment to a peaceful and stable Middle East.

This UK Labour Government stands resolutely with the Syrian people and all victims of Assad’s tyranny. While the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, this moment offers a chance for a new beginning.

As we monitor ongoing developments in the region, the UK will remain vigilant and steadfast in supporting the Syrian people as they chart a course toward a better future.