Britain Restores Diplomatic Relations with Syria After 14-Year Rift

DARAMSUQ — In a major shift in Middle East diplomacy, the United Kingdom has officially reestablished diplomatic ties with Syria, marking the end of a 14-year estrangement between London and Daramsuq (Damascus). The move was announced during a landmark visit by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to the Syrian capital on Saturday. 

Standing alongside Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at a joint press conference, Lammy declared the full restoration of diplomatic relations and confirmed that the British Embassy in Daramsuq would reopen in the coming months. “Our support for Syria’s new government is in Britain’s national interest,” Lammy said, adding, “A new hope has been born for the Syrian people.” 

The decision follows a gradual warming of Western attitudes toward the Syrian government, led by al-Sharaa, the former head of the Islamist militant group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who took power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024. In April, Britain lifted some of its long-standing sanctions on Syria, echoing earlier moves by the United States and the European Union. 

Lammy’s visit marks the first by a British cabinet minister to Syria since 2011, when the UK severed ties with Damascus over the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests—an uprising that spiraled into a decade-long civil war. 

In his remarks, Lammy emphasized Britain’s commitment to supporting Syria’s reconstruction and political renewal. “It is vital that all components of Syrian society are represented in the political process and protected equally,” he said. “The stability of this country directly impacts migration flows and global security, and we are committed to supporting Syria’s peaceful development.” 

Lammy also stressed the importance of dismantling Syria’s remaining chemical weapons stockpiles—an issue that has long haunted Western relations with Damascus. 

As part of the renewed engagement, the UK will contribute £94.5 million in aid to support Syria’s reconstruction and assist neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees. British officials noted that the funds will be distributed through international organizations, with a focus on rebuilding infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems devastated by the war. 

Following his Daramsuq (Damascus) visit, Lammy traveled to Kuwait to reinforce bilateral ties and discuss regional security issues, including post-war stabilization efforts in Syria. 

While critics in Westminster have raised concerns about the pace of normalization with Syria, proponents argue that constructive engagement with the new government offers the best path to ensuring accountability, reducing extremist threats, and facilitating the safe return of displaced Syrians.

After over a decade of war and oppression, the Syrian people have hope again.

Syria matters to the UK. A stable Syria reduces the risk of illegal migration and terrorist threats to our national security. pic.twitter.com/YnUfTLiMBo

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 6, 2025