A prominent Syrian government minister has made a plea for the British government to stop using conditions-based humanitarian assistance as the main plank of its support for Syria. Hind Kabawat, Minister for Social Affairs and Labour, called for a new approach to directly engage with the country's new leadership. The UK was a vital supporter of the Syrian opposition during nearly 14 years of civil war but has faced questions over its approach since the new government took over in late 2024. Ms Kabawat spoke to UK MPs about the need for Britain to show more trust in the current authorities in Syria as they work on rebuilding institutions and reviving the country's devastated economy.“We want to thank you for the years you supported us, we know how many families you saved from starvation,” she told the Foreign Affairs Committee, which scrutinises diplomacy. “You need to trust us more, you need to trust the institution.”Ms Kabawat said the Syrian government was seeking direct support in building sustainable government institutions, rather than humanitarian packages that are handed down through the UN.“We don’t want a humanitarian basket any more,” she said. “We want to build a system, a social protection system that can last. We want to have a sustainable future for Syria. It’s about building a system together, building a policy together.”The UK was the first country to lift sanct...
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