UK restores ties with Syria as Foreign Secretary visits Damascus
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The United Kingdom has resumed diplomatic ties with Syria.
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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with interim President Al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria (X, @DavidLammy)
The United Kingdom has officially restored diplomatic relations with Syria, following Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Damascus, the first such high-level trip in 14 years.
"Eight months on from the collapse of the Assad regime, the UK has officially re-established diplomatic relations with the Syrian Government following the Foreign Secretary's visit to Damascus today," a statement issued by the Foreign Office read.
These disclosures come as Syria's new rulers, largely drawn from factions classified as terrorist organizations like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), consolidate power across administrative, military, and security lines. HTS, a group with well-documented links to al-Qaeda, has been linked to widespread atrocities including torture, extrajudicial killings, and the persecution of minority communities such as the Druze, Alawites, Kurds, and Christians.
Despite these actions, Western governments have begun re-engaging with Damascus. The United States and European Union have moved to ease sanctions, citing the need for "stability".
Today in Damascus I met with President Al-Sharaa and FM @AsaadHShaibani. I welcomed progress made and stressed the need for an inclusive and representative political transition.
, David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 5, 2025
The UK stands ready to support the new Syrian Government. pic.twitter.com/uKGDwIcJdT
Peace Without Principles
A point of concern for many in the Arab world is the new administration's reported willingness to normalize relations with "Israel", with backing from the US and UK. On July 4, Israeli reports revealed that Damascus is offering to cede significant political ground in proposed negotiations, including accepting partial Israeli control over the occupied Golan Heights and proposing a lease agreement for parts of the territory.
According to sources cited by Israeli outlet i24NEWS, Syria under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has floated two scenarios for a political settlement. One would see "Israel" retain a third of the Golan Heights, with another third returned to Syria and the remaining third leased to "Israel" for 25 years. Another proposal suggests even greater Israeli control, in exchange for the symbolic return of limited territory and possible recognition.
Read more: 'Israel', Syria discuss security agreement against Hezbollah, Iran
Most strikingly, the Syrian leadership is also reviving so-called "historical claims" over northern Lebanese regions, such as Tripoli and the Beqaa Valley, as part of the normalization package, raising fears of renewed border disputes and infringement on Lebanese sovereignty. Damascus has framed these demands as part of a broader regional realignment that includes a trilateral water-sharing initiative with Turkey and "Israel", granting the latter access to Euphrates River water.
While UK officials describe Lammy's visit as a step toward regional peace and engagement, critics argue it legitimizes a regime deeply compromised by extremist affiliations and geopolitical opportunism.
