UK government welcomes fall of Bashar al-Assad as rebels seize Damascus

The UK government has welcomed the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after rebel forces seized control of Damascus. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated that Assad was not good for the Syrian people and emphasized the need for a political resolution. Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, reportedly took control of the capital, with Assad's whereabouts unknown. Rayner mentioned ongoing efforts to evacuate British citizens from Syria amid the escalating situation. Former MI6 chief John Sawers suggested that the UK should reconsider its designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization, noting its efforts to distance itself from al-Qaida. He argued that engaging with the new leadership in Syria is essential.