Speaking at the UN Security Council in New York on 22 October, the UK’s Chargé d’Affaires James Kariuki set out four priorities on Syria: sustaining the political transition, de-escalation in Aleppo, humanitarian access in the north-east, and restoring food security. He also confirmed that the Government has removed Hay’at Tahrir al‑Sham (HTS) from the UK’s proscribed list this week.
On the political track, Kariuki described this month’s indirect parliamentary elections across Syria as a milestone and urged Damascus to ensure next month’s remaining direct appointments to the People’s Assembly are broadly representative, alongside clear timetables for postponed votes in Raqqa, Hassakeh and Suwayda. The statement underlined the importance of political pluralism to long‑term stability.
On security, the UK voiced concern over recent violence in Kurdish‑majority neighbourhoods of Aleppo and welcomed a ceasefire between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Government, urging negotiations toward a sustainable settlement and unimpeded access for aid actors in the north‑east. Reports of a ceasefire on 7 October followed overnight clashes and civilian fears.
On humanitarian needs, marking World Food Day, the UK emphasised restoring sustainable food systems and confirmed ongoing support through the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and other partners. London said it looks forward to the Secretary‑General’s recommendations on how the UN can support Syria’s transition.
A significant policy change underpinned the UK intervention. The Home Office confirmed on 21 October that an order had been laid in Parliament to deproscribe HTS under the Terrorism Act 2000, enabling closer engagement with the new Syrian Government; Security Minister Dan Jarvis set out the rationale in a written statement on 22 October.
Legally, once the order takes effect, proscription offences-such as membership and inviting support-will no longer apply to HTS, and 83 organisations will remain proscribed. Proscription is a domestic criminal law tool; other counter‑terrorism and sanctions powers continue to apply under separate legislation.
For NGOs, donors and contractors operating in Syria, deproscription removes a constraint that previously complicated due diligence and partner selection where HTS links were alleged. Organisations should review compliance frameworks and communications policies to reflect the change, while maintaining sanctions screening and risk controls.
The UK’s call for unimpeded humanitarian access in the north‑east now places practical pressure on local authorities to ease movement through checkpoints and to facilitate UN and NGO operations. The emphasis on livelihoods and agriculture suggests a gradual pivot toward recovery programming where security conditions allow.
Next steps to watch include the appointment phase for the People’s Assembly next month, clarity on postponed ballots in Raqqa, Hassakeh and Suwayda, and any Council follow‑up to the Secretary‑General’s recommendations on UN support. London has signalled that engagement with Damascus will be contingent on demonstrable progress.