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Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s government fell to rebel forces on Sunday, prompting UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to welcome the end of his “barbaric regime”. Assad reportedly fled to Moscow and has been granted asylum in Russia. Sir Keir called for a “political solution”, protecting civilians and minorities, and ensuring aid reached the most vulnerable in the coming days. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, emphasising the need to protect Syrians, also spoke out, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for the protection of minority groups and for free and fair elections to be held.
The fall of Assad’s regime followed a recent surge by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group set up 13 years ago and previously an affiliate of al-Qaeda, though it now claims to reject violence. The Islamist group has been driving the rebels’ rise to power. Questions remain over their dissociation from al-Qaeda, but former head of MI6 Sir John Sawers said this exhibited “great efforts” to distance themselves. He added it would be “rather ridiculous” not to engage with the new leadership because of a proscription that is over a decade old.
UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner spoke to the BBC on Sunday, saying the UK will work with allies towards a UN resolution-based political solution that protects civilians and infrastructure. She also expressed support for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham over a continuation of the regime. The UK Government has been evacuating UK citizens from Syria and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is currently in the UAE and Saudi Arabia on a pre-planned visit focused on deepening defence and security ties and new opportunities for growth.
While Syrians in Manchester celebrated the fall of the regime, and in Belfast, dozens also gathered, the Syrian people are looking forward to the outcome of political discussions on Syria’s future. The situation in Syria remains uncertain, with growing concerns regarding the future state of the country’s leadership
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