David Lammy meets Syrian leadership in Damascus, pledges UK support for reconstruction and justice
In a major foreign policy shift, the United Kingdom has formally re-established diplomatic relations with Syria, marking the first ministerial visit to Damascus in 14 years. Foreign Secretary David Lammy made the historic visit on Saturday, eight months after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, signalling a renewed engagement between London and the post-Assad Syrian government.
Lammy met with President Farouk al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Samir al-Shaibani, where discussions centred around Syria’s political transition, regional security, and the UK’s role in aiding reconstruction and justice for victims of the previous regime.
“As the first UK Minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad’s brutal regime, I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable progress Syrians have made in rebuilding their lives and their country,” said Lammy. “After over a decade of conflict, there is renewed hope for the Syrian people. The UK is re-establishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians.”
The visit underscores the UK government’s wider “Plan for Change”, with Downing Street viewing a stable Syria as key to curbing irregular migration, neutralising the threat of Daesh resurgence, and eliminating chemical weapons stockpiles.
As part of the renewed relationship, the UK announced £96.5 million in fresh support, including £2 million earmarked for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to oversee the dismantling of Assad-era chemical weapon stockpiles. A further £94.5 million will go towards urgent humanitarian aid, economic recovery programmes, education and livelihoods support across Syria and for neighbouring host countries.
Lammy also visited Syrian Civil Defence volunteers, known as the White Helmets, commending their efforts in clearing unexploded ordnance and providing emergency medical care. He met Syrian women entrepreneurs supported through British-funded development schemes, highlighting the UK’s continued backing for inclusive economic revival.
The Foreign Secretary is now set to travel to Kuwait, where he will meet top leaders to bolster bilateral ties and announce a new UK-Kuwait partnership to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The new aid package will address famine and cholera in Sudan and provide relief for Somalia amid ongoing conflict and climate-driven emergencies.
The UK’s re-engagement with Syria marks a dramatic diplomatic turnaround, driven by both geopolitical shifts in the region and domestic priorities tied to security, migration, and international stability.
