The UK has removed the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its terrorist list to facilitate closer cooperation with the new Syrian government, following Bashar al-Assad's overthrow last December.

This move aims to support Syria's efforts in countering ISIS and chemical weapons disarmament, aligning with recent US policy shifts to ease sanctions and promote stability.

Historically, HTS was proscribed in the UK in 2017 due to its links to al-Qaeda, but the government indicated a possible future review, which is now being enacted.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated it was too early to change UK policy on HTS, while opposition critics warned that lifting the ban could legitimize the group through diplomatic contact.

The decision has faced criticism from opposition figures like Dame Priti Patel, who demanded transparency about the evidence justifying the deproscription, citing HTS’s roots in al-Qaeda and concerns over its record on minorities.

This move reflects a broader international trend of engaging with Syrian factions, including the Assad government, to promote stability and security.

Despite the declassification, the UK emphasizes it will continue to judge the Syrian government based on its actions and aims to use this change to address issues like terrorism and chemical weapons disarmament.

Lifting the ban means UK laws against membership and support of proscribed organizations will no longer apply to HTS, though the government reserves the right to reassess if new threats emerge.

The UK government highlights that it will continue to evaluate threats and may revisit the proscription if necessary, maintaining a cautious approach.

Since taking power, HTS, under interim leader Ahmed Al-Charaa, has dissolved armed factions and integrated some into Syria’s security forces, establishing diplomatic relations with countries including the UK.

The group's former leader, Ahmed al-Scharaa, now serves as a transitional president and is considered an ally in the fight against ISIS, with the US also having delisted HTS from its terror list.