Britain re-establishing relations with Syria, announces David Lammy

Foreign secretary says it is in UK's interests to support new government' in first visit by British minister for 14 years

Britain is re-establishing diplomatic relations with Syria after the country's years-long civil war, the foreign secretary, David Lammy, has announced during a visit to the capital, Damascus.

There is renewed hope for the Syrian people," Lammy said in a statement. It is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians."