Syria–United Kingdom Relations

Syria–United Kingdom relations refers to the bilateral relations between the Syrian Arab Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, since the Syrian civil war, the United Kingdom has supported the Syrian opposition. The United Kingdom closed its embassy in Syria in 2012, and the Embassy of Syria, London was closed the following year.

History

20th century

World War I and Deir ez-Zor occupation

During World War I, the United Kingdom played a significant role in the Allied victory in Syria, collaborating with Arab Sharifian Army during the Arab Revolt, which was supported by British Army officer T. E. Lawrence. This partnership helped secure major victories, including the capture of Damascus in 1918.

Following the war, the implementation of the Sykes-Picot Agreement shaped the division of the region, granting Britain influence outside Syria. On 11 January 1919, British forces occupied Deir ez-Zor, annexing it to Iraq. However, local resistance, supported by Iraqi officers and tribes, culminated in the city's liberation on 27 December 1919, as British troops withdrew to Iraq.

World War II and Levant Crisis

In 1941, the British launched the Syria-Lebanon Campaign to counter 'Vichy French' influence in the region, fearing it could bolster Axis powers. British troops, alongside 'Free French' forces and Commonwealth allies, successfully invaded Syria and Lebanon establishing government control under Free French leadership.

In 1945, a crisis called the "Levant Crisis" developed from escalating tensions between Syrians and the 'Vichy French' resulting in the return of British involvement. In May, Damascus was bombarded by the Vichy French to suppress Syrian independence, resulting in pressure from British military intervention for Vichy French withdrawal. Syrian independence resulted and with committed British Commonwealth support, colonial rule was brought to an end solidifying a foundation from where the British could shape Syria and the region in preparation for post-war order.

1950s

On 6 November 1956, during the Suez Crisis, a Royal Air Force Canberra PR.7 was sent to overfly Syria on a photo reconnaissance mission, and was shot down by a Syrian Air Force Gloster Meteor. As of 2022, this was the last RAF aircraft shot down in an enemy air-to-air engagement.

21st century

Ba'athist Syria

In 2001, positive relations were developed between Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Syrian government, as part of the War on Terror.

In 2002, President Bashar al-Assad made an official visit to the United Kingdom, the first Syrian leader to do so. He and his wife Asma met with Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2003, the British Syrian Society was established in London by Fawaz Akhras, father-in-law of Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian civil war

Since the emergence of Syrian civil war in 2011, relations have deteriorated, and the UK was one of the first countries to recognise the opposition as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people. The Embassy of Syria in London closed in 2013.

In 2018, the UK took part in the missile strikes against Syria alongside the United States and France.

In March 2021, the British Government placed sanctions on key allies of Assad.

Post-Assad regime

British prime minister Keir Starmer and foreign secretary David Lammy welcomed the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024. A week later, the UK announced a £50 million aid package to support food, shelter, healthcare, and restoring essential services in Syria.

In January 2025, the UK took part in the Riyadh meetings on Syria, which focused on addressing the ongoing situation in Syria and exploring measures to promote stability in the country. During the meetings, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Two months later, the United Kingdom pledged an additional £160 million to Syria for aid.

On 24 April 2025, the UK lifted sanctions on several Syrian government agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense, and the General Intelligence Service, as well as the police, air force, military, and state-run media.

See also

* List of Ambassadors from the United Kingdom to Syria
* Syrians in the United Kingdom
* William Hague § Syria
* Operation Shader

References

Sources

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Syria-United Kingdom relations

Syria
United Kingdom