David Lammy’s visit to Syria is the first by a UK minister since the civil war began more than a decade ago. His meeting with interim president Ahmed al Sharaa and foreign minister Asaad al Shaibani marks the UK’s full diplomatic re-engagement with the country.

Lammy described the visit as a step toward regional stability. “After over a decade of conflict, there is renewed hope for the Syrian people,” he stated. The UK has already lifted a range of sanctions and announced a £94.5 million aid package for urgent humanitarian needs and reconstruction efforts.

HTS-Led Government Gains Ground

HTS, once classified as a terrorist group in the UK, now leads Syria’s transitional government following Assad’s ousting in December. British authorities have hinted that the group may soon be removed from the proscribed list, a position echoed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer last year.

HTS’s rise from rebel force to government leader has prompted mixed reactions internationally, but UK officials argue that working with the new administration is necessary to support peace and reconstruction.

Global Support Grows

The UK follows the US in restoring ties. In May, President Donald Trump announced the lifting of US sanctions on Syria during a US-Saudi investment conference, saying, “There is a new government that will hopefully succeed. I say good luck, Syria.”

The shift underscores a broader trend of Western re-engagement with Damascus as Syria begins to rebuild under a new political framework. Al Sharaa and Lammy also discussed broader Middle East developments during the historic visit.