UK Prime Minister Starmer Welcomes Collapse of Assad’s ‘Barbaric Regime’

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK, expressed his approval regarding the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s “barbaric regime” in Syria, simultaneously advocating for the re-establishment of “peace and stability”. The Syrian president, now deposed, departed the nation following the overthrow of his administration by a swift rebel offensive early on Sunday; Russian state media indicates he is currently in Moscow after Russia granted him asylum. Sir Keir stated that the Syrian populace “had to put up with [Assad’s] brutal regime for far, far too long.” When questioned about potential engagement between the government and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel organization established as an al-Qaeda affiliate and designated a terrorist group by the UK, he responded that it was “early days” but emphasized the necessity of a “political solution.” “The developments in Syria in recent hours and days are unprecedented, and we are speaking to our partners in the region and monitoring the situation closely,” Sir Keir remarked on Sunday. This statement came shortly after his arrival in the United Arab Emirates for a visit that was not connected to the situation in Syria. He added, “The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure.” Sir Keir concluded, “Our focus is now on ensuring a political solution prevails, and peace and stability is restored.” He further urged “all sides” to safeguard civilians and minority groups, and to “ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable” in the immediate future. Priti Patel, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, commented: “Our first priority must be the Syrian people. Syrians need to be protected – all communities and groups.” Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, characterized Assad as “a vile dictator who used chemical weapons against him own people” in a post shared on X. He further stated that the UK should “do what we can to ensure the protection of minority groups and ultimately an orderly transition of power with free and fair elections.” Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner informed the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that the UK desired “a political solution along the lines of UN resolution, and we’re working with our allies.” When questioned about whether HTS would be preferable to Assad, Rayner responded, “we’ve got to have a government in Syria, a political solution, that protests civilians and infrastructure.” This Islamist organization, established 13 years prior as a direct affiliate of al-Qaeda, spearheaded the rebels’ ascent to power in Syria over recent weeks. It had previously publicly disassociated itself from al-Qaeda, yet it continues to be designated a terrorist group by the UK, alongside the UN, the US, Turkey, and other nations. Uncertainty persists regarding whether it has fully severed these connections, but its communication leading up to Assad’s removal emphasized inclusiveness and a rejection of violence. Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6, stated to Sky News: “I think Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, the leader, has made great efforts over the last 10 years to distance himself from those terrorist groups and certainly the actions we’ve seen of [HTS] over the last two weeks has been those of a liberation movement, not of a terrorist organisation.” He further commented: “It would be rather ridiculous, actually, if we’re unable to engage with the new leadership in Syria because of a proscription dating back 12 years.” The Prime Minister’s scheduled visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for meetings on Monday bear no relation to the developments in Syria. The government indicated that Sir Keir is seeking to foster stronger relationships with these two nations to boost investment, enhance defence and security cooperation, and stimulate economic growth and new prospects for the benefit of working individuals. Prior to the overnight fall of Damascus, the UK government had been engaged in evacuating its citizens from Syria throughout the weekend. On Sunday, hundreds of Syrians in Manchester marked Assad’s downfall with singing, dancing, and tears in the city centre. Concurrently, dozens of individuals convened in Belfast to commemorate the conclusion of his regime. Celebrations also took place in London’s Trafalgar Square. Sabri Chikhou, a Syrian participant at the event, informed Reuters news agency: “We are going towards democracy and building a new Syria with a new system, democratic system. “And we will depend on society and establishment, not to the single regime who control every part in our country.” A woman named Nadia, also present at Trafalgar Square, stated that her reaction to Assad’s removal was “hard to describe” “because we have been waiting for this for a long time.” She further added, “I think every Syrian person, every free Syrian person is very overwhelmed and very happy because finally we can say that Syria is a free country now.”