UK government welcomes fall of Assad regime and calls for peace in Syria

The UK government has welcomed the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria, calling for peace and stability. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to protect civilians and ensure aid reaches vulnerable populations following a rebel offensive that seized Damascus. The UK has been evacuating its citizens from Syria amid the crisis. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner noted that plans were in place before the recent developments, but did not disclose the number of UK nationals affected. Discussions are ongoing about the role of the leading insurgent group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is banned in the UK. Former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers suggested a review of the group's status, highlighting its recent actions as more aligned with a liberation movement.