UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has made history by becoming the first British minister to visit Syria since the country’s 2011 uprising, which triggered a devastating civil war lasting 14 years.
Lammy’s visit comes eight months after the Assad regime fell to rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group previously designated as a terrorist organization by the UK, UN, and US. Syria is now ruled by an interim Islamic-led government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
During his visit, Lammy met with al-Sharaa in Damascus to promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. “I’m here to speak to this new government, to urge them to ensure transparency and inclusivity in governance,” Lammy told the BBC. “But also to stand by the Syrian people as they transition peacefully in the coming months.”
The UK government announced an additional £94.5 million humanitarian aid package to support Syria’s recovery and assist neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees. In addition, the UK will contribute £2 million this financial year to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to help dismantle Assad’s remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.
Fragile Situation and Ongoing Challenges
Syria remains deeply unstable. Since December, when rebel forces toppled Assad’s government, the new leadership has struggled to establish control, and violence against minority communities has continued. Dozens from the Alawite minority and members of the Druze community have been killed in recent attacks, including a brutal assault on churchgoers in Damascus.
Lammy acknowledged these concerns, stating, “It’s important that the UK leans in to tip the balance towards accountability and inclusivity for all communities in Syria.”
Many Syrians fear the interim government is drifting towards authoritarianism. Only one woman has been appointed to the cabinet, most ministers were hand-picked by al-Sharaa without elections or public consultation, and reports suggest appointments are often made based on connections rather than merit. Observers warn that strict Islamic practices are being enforced at the expense of social freedoms and women’s rights.
International Response
Following Assad’s fall, Western nations have moved to reengage with Syria. In late June, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting sanctions on Syria, with the White House pledging to monitor the new government’s approach to combating terrorism and protecting minorities. The UK has similarly lifted its sanctions.
Al-Sharaa has also begun international outreach, meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in May. Ukraine’s foreign minister and other officials have also visited Damascus to discuss bilateral ties.
Regional Tensions
The security situation remains precarious. Israel continues to occupy parts of Syrian territory and has carried out hundreds of airstrikes. Lammy urged Israel to reconsider its actions, warning they could undermine Syria’s fragile progress.
Meanwhile, the fate of hundreds of foreign fighters and their families, including dozens of UK nationals held in detention camps in north-west Syria, remains unresolved. Lammy said he had discussed these camps with al-Sharaa but did not clarify whether the UK plans to repatriate its citizens.
The presence of radical jihadists, including former members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham now integrated into Syria’s government, continues to raise concerns about the country’s long-term stability.
Lammy emphasized that the UK’s priority is to see Syria evolve into a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive society, and said London will use humanitarian aid as leverage to encourage reforms.
