It's in all our interests for this new Syria to flourish

December 8 2024 was a day of profound change for Syria and the region. This was, of course, the day which marked the end of the Assad regime's brutal 54-year rule over Syria.

- HAMISH FALCONER

A year on, and the scars left by Bashar al-Assad and his father's tyranny are still acutely felt across Syria. This was a regime which committed unrelenting and systematic violations against its own people. It acted with contempt for law and morality, using chemical weapons, torture and murder to silence those who opposed it.

It was a dictatorship upheld and promoted by the Russian military and Iranian money that enabled Bashar al-Assad's horrific campaign against the Syrian people for over 13 years.

Yet when he had to flee his palace, built through the misery of ordinary Syrians, Assad and his family did so alone.

The difference in message I hear from the Syrians I meet today is stark. For many, it is time to look forward and capitalise on the profound opportunity that the collapse of the Assad regime has created for Syria and the region.

It is right that the UK is also taking this opportunity to reset our relationship with Syria by backing Syrians to build a secure, prosperous future.