UK pledges humanitarian aid for Syria as Starmer seeks Middle East stability

LONDON

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an additional £11 million ($14 million) in humanitarian aid on Monday to support vulnerable populations in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.

The funds aim to address the needs of approximately 370,000 people displaced by a recent upheaval as the country begins its transition away from decades of dictatorship.

Speaking during a trip to the Middle East, Starmer emphasized the global significance of the region’s stability.

"What happens in the Middle East matters at home. To deliver on my plan for change, we need a strong foundation of security, but that cannot just be built at home. It requires us to play our part on the world stage to support stability and protect partners from threats, both now and in the future," he said.

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime over the weekend has been welcomed by the British government.

However, Starmer and other leaders have cautioned that Syria’s future remains uncertain. With opposition groups now in control, concerns have been raised about the potential resurgence of the Daesh/ISIS terror group.

Starmer echoed these concerns, warning of "all sorts of risks" but highlighting the opportunity for positive change.

"We have to be intensely focused on the transition. This is a moment for good in the history of Syria," he said, adding the UK is working closely with allies to ensure a stable transition.

Defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia

During his visit to Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, Starmer also announced plans to deepen defense cooperation with the Kingdom, building on an existing combat aircraft agreement.

The move, aimed at enhancing regional stability, underscores Britain’s commitment to supporting its partners in the Middle East.

Starmer declined to comment on the future of Asma al-Assad, the former first lady of Syria, who was raised in west London and holds British citizenship. The Assads have been granted asylum in Moscow after relying on Russian President Vladimir Putin for support in recent years.

"It's far too early" to discuss stripping her citizenship, he said, sidestepping questions about potential punitive measures against the family.