19 March 2026 13:44 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says Breath of Freedom Task Force launched

Key points

UK Government says it will help eradicate Assad’s chemical weapons
UK Government says it has committed nearly $4 million to the OPCW

TL;DR

UK Government says it will collaborate with Syria, OPCW and task force members to eradicate Assad’s chemical weapons programme
UK Government says it has committed nearly $4 million to the OPCW and is developing a further multi‑million‑pound support package for verified Syrian‑led destruction activity
UK Government says the launch event will turn technical input and commitments into practical action to destroy remnant chemical weapons in Syria

Original text

The UK is delighted to join the launch of the Breath of Freedom Task Force. I’d like to thank you, Ibrahim, Ambassador Dr Katoub, and so many others for bringing us together today. President of the General Assembly, Under-Secretary General, Excellencies, friends. The fall of Assad in 2024 presents a once in a generation opportunity to rid Syria and the world of the regime’s chemical weapons programme. Syria’s new leadership has worked tirelessly to meet its international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and Security Council Resolution 2118 (2013), and to hold perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks to account. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Syria, other task force members, and the OPCW, in the weeks and months ahead to drive towards the eradication of Assad’s chemical weapon legacy. By doing so, Syria will build a strong case for the early restoration of its OPCW Rights and Privileges. There is much for us to do. Today’s launch event provides the platform for us to communicate how we are collectively turning technical input and commitments into practical action to destroy remnant chemical weapons in Syria. The UK stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 18 years and since the fall of Assad, the UK has committed nearly $4 million to the OPCW. This money has supported destruction planning and critical OPCW missions to Damascus and further afield. Looking ahead we are developing a further multi-million-pound package of support specifically for delivering verified Syrian-led destruction activity, including the provision of equipment, training and technical support. With the commitment and contributions of the OPCW and its member states, and of course the sustained drive and determination of Syria, we can finally close the chapter on Assad’s chemical weapons programme. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.

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Damascus