British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has become the first UK minister to visit Syria since the civil uprising began 14 years ago, holding talks in Damascus with president Ahmad al-Sharaa amid the country's turbulent transition following the collapse of the Assad regime. Lammy's visit marks a major diplomatic milestone in Syria's international reintegration, coming eight months after rebel forces ousted Bashar Al-Assad, ending his 54-year family rule. The UK used the occasion to announce an additional £94.5 million in humanitarian and recovery aid for Syria and neighboring countries hosting refugees. Speaking to the BBC, Lammy said his discussions focused on encouraging Syria's new government to adopt transparent and inclusive governance practices. "I'm here to speak to this new government, to urge them to continue to be inclusive, to ensure that there's transparency and accountability in the way that they govern," Lammy said. "But also to stand by the Syrian people as Syria makes this peaceful transition." Al-Sharaa has led the transitional administration since Assad's fall in December. Despite international concerns over the group's past affiliations, Western powers including the US, UK, and France have begun re-engaging with Syria, signaling cautious recognition of the new government. In May, al-Sharaa met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, and US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting longstanding sanctions on Damascus in June. The UK has also eased its own sanctions and pledged £2 million this year to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to dismantle Assad-era stockpiles. However, Lammy acknowledged widespread concerns over minority rights, democratic representation, and extremist influence within Syria's post-Assad leadership. "It's important that the UK lean in to ensure the balance is tipped in the right direction—towards accountability, transparency, and inclusivity for all of the communities that make up this country," Lammy said. Lammy reiterated that UK aid will be tied to benchmarks on inclusivity and governance, and said discussions with Syrian officials also covered counterterrorism, irregular migration, and the fate of British nationals detained in northwestern Syria. He also criticized Israel's continued military actions in Syria, calling on the Israeli government to reconsider its operations to avoid undermining the progress being made. Israel still occupies parts of Syrian territory and has carried out repeated airstrikes targeting both Iranian proxies and jihadist groups. Despite the challenges, Lammy said the UK remains committed to supporting a peaceful and stable Syria. "We want Syria to move in the direction of peace, of prosperity, of stability for the people, and to be an inclusive country." — BBC
