Vital help for Syrian rebels

BRITAIN HAS announced it is stepping up its support for Syrian rebels engaged in a bloody civil war with BasharAssad’s ruling regime.

An extra £5 million of “non-lethal” assistance, including medical supplies and communications equipment, was promised by Foreign Secretary William Hague.

He said that, with tens of thousands already dead, the people of Syria could not “wait indefinitely” while China and Russia blocked co-ordinated action by the United Nations Security Council.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK was working “very closely” with the Syrian opposition and President Assad had to go “one way or another”.

Mr Cameron said: “Obviously, it would be better if this was achieved through a transition at the top, rather than a bloody revolution.

“But frankly, one way or another we need to make sure Assad goes and we give the people of Syria a fresh start.

“We are working very closely with the Syrian opposition and we are getting to know them better.”

Mr Hague indicated the UK was in contact with members of the political wing of the Free Syrian Army.

He refused to name names, but said the Government would be “careful” about who it helped.

He also stressed there would be no “lethal” assistance provided by the UK.

Instead, aid was expected to include trauma and medical supplies, painkillers and water purification kits, plus mobile and satellite phones and radio equipment and body armour for civilians.

“All the support we provide will be consistent with our laws and values,” Mr Hague said.

“This is assistance will help save lives, not abandon all Syrians to the mercy of the regime.

“It will help people caught up in a terrible conflict.

“It is the right thing to do, while not pausing for a second in our efforts to secure diplomatic action. which this crisis demands.”

Mr Hague said the UN Security Council, which will meet again on August 30, has a responsibility to “stop the bloodshed”, but added: “The people of Syria cannot wait indefinitely.

“People are dying and are trapped without food and shelter.”

Shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander cautioned the Government against doing anything which would lead to an escalation of the violence in Syria.

“Given Syria has descended into civil war, the Government needs to act with real care,” he said.

“The international community should be focused on de-escalating the violence in Syria, not escalating it.”

William Hague (above left) has pledged support for rebels in Syria to try to stop the bloodshed (right).