The fall of the Assad regime in Syria has given way to fears of a new wave of terror threats, prompting calls for Keir Starmer to respond.
The prime minister has already said it’s “far too early” to consider removing Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist rebels who overthrew Bashar al-Assad, from the UK’s list of proscribed terrorist groups or organisations.
He said: “No decision is pending at all on this, it is far too early. At the moment the focus has to be on talking to our allies, making sure that this is an opportunity for Syria and therefore we have to work to make sure that this is a peaceful opportunity.”
Hours prior, Minister for Intergovernmental Relations of the United Kingdom Pat McFadden told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, when asked whether a process to review HTS’s designation as a terror group was underway, that it was an issue that “got to be considered”.
Mr Starmer’s words have drawn fierce backlash from his opposition, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp saying the government was in “chaos”. He told Sky News: “We saw the government in complete confusion yesterday. Pat McFadden was on TV yesterday morning saying one thing, then Keir Starmer and David Lammy said another thing.
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“The British government, I’m afraid, were in a bit of chaos yesterday.”
The Home Office had previously said HTS “should be treated as an alternative name” to Al-Qaeda. This has prompted military and spy chiefs to be on on red alert over fears ISIS and Al-Qaeda could re-emerge.
While the HTS had links with Al-Qaeda, over the past years it has worked to clean up its image and has shared more tolerant messages for minorities in Syria.
Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove has warned that the terrorist group could “create a radicalising and intolerant caliphate”.
He told the Daily Express: “Assad’s flight from power leaves a vacuum, and groups are already vying to fill it, including ISIS.
“Libya and Iraq were unable to escape the baleful effects of their dictators’ terrible legacies. Syria’s political fate hangs in the balance.
“HTS has a brief opportunity to demonstrate that Syria could follow a pluralist future. Its terrorist origins would suggest otherwise. However, HTS has liberated Syria from a vicious regime.
“The question is, does it now want to lead a Syria that is trying to unite its many disparate groups and interests? Or will it revert to its roots and create a radicalising and intolerant caliphate? We do not yet know the answer.”
HTS rebels have also vowed to reveal the names of former Assad regime officials wanted for torture.
Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, said: “We will release a list that includes the names of the most senior officials involved in the torturing of the Syrian people.
“Rewards will be offered to those who will provide information about senior army and security officers involved in war crime.”
