The British government is to begin supplying Syrian rebels with advice, training and “non-lethal” equipment according to foreign secretary William Hague.

Speaking in the British parliament today, Hague said: “We cannot step back from a crisis that could destabilize the heart of the Middle East . . . And it would be the height of irresponsibility to ignore potential threats to our own security.”

In the same statement, he spelled out the measures that the UK would take to assist the rebels, which would include providing armored SUVs for rebels to move around in safety as well as body armor and communications equipment.

The move was widely expected, and followed British lobbying for the European Union to amend the arms embargo in place in Syria to allow this form of assistance.

Hague cited the worsening humanitarian situation in Syria and the plight of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries as one of the reasons for the decision.

He added: “The Cabinet is in no doubt that this is a necessary, proportionate and lawful response to a situation of extreme humanitarian suffering, and that there is no practicable alternative.”
The number of Syrians displaced from the country has now surpassed one million, which Hague called a “sad milestone.”

“All our assistance will be carefully calibrated and monitored as well as legal, and will be aimed at saving life, alleviating this human catastrophe and supporting moderate groups,” he added, reflecting concerns about the proliferation of sophisticated weapons into the hands of extremists linked to Al-Qaeda.

He also announced the allocation of USD 20 million along with advice and training in providing basic services in opposition-held areas, including water–purification and waste–incineration equipment.

In his statement, Hague said that by supplying the rebels the UK is seeking to increase pressure on the beleaguered government of Bashar Al-Assad both inside and outside Syria.

He said: “There is no sign that the Assad regime currently intends to enter into a genuine political process. They appear to believe they can defeat their opponents militarily; and they count on being shielded by some countries at the United Nations Security Council. It will be necessary to turn each of these calculations on its head if the conflict is to come to a peaceful end.”

He continued: “Our policy has to move towards more active efforts to prevent the loss of life in Syria and this means stepping up our support to the opposition and thereby increasing the pressure on the regime to accept a political solution.”