British officials met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Syrian leader and former head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), on December 16, bnm IntelliNews can reveal. 

Al-Sharaa, who was previously known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, declared the recent change in Syria's leadership "a victory for the oppressed people without destruction of infrastructure or displacement," reportedly said.

During the meeting with British Foreign Office delegates, al-Sharaa stressed the need to build a state based on law and institutions while establishing security.

He highlighted the previous regime's destruction of state institutions and targeting of all sects while calling for the lifting of international sanctions to enable Syrian refugees worldwide to return home.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy earlier confirmed the UK government has established "diplomatic contact" with HTS, despite the group's current status as a proscribed terrorist organisation in Britain since 2017.

This development coincides with the UK's announcement of GBP50mn ($63mn) in humanitarian aid for Syria and Syrian refugees.

"We will judge them on their actions," Lammy told the BBC. "We want to see a representative government, an inclusive government in Syria." He added that securing chemical weapons stockpiles and preventing further violence were key priorities for British engagement.

The aid package includes GBP30mn for food, shelter, and emergency healthcare within Syria, while GBP10mn each will be allocated to Lebanon and Jordan through the World Food Programme and UNHCR. Additionally, GBP120,000 will support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated it is "far too early" to make a decision on HTS's terrorist designation, though cabinet office minister Pat McFadden suggested a "relatively swift decision" would be necessary.

The Biden administration is also reviewing the group's status, with the president stating the US would assess "not just their words, but their actions."

The UK participated in recent talks in Aqaba, Jordan, alongside the US, France, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE, where participants agreed on the importance of establishing a "non-sectarian and representative government" in Syria.