The UK Government has received “no contact or request” for Asma Assad, the British-born wife of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, to return to the UK, a senior Cabinet minister has confirmed.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, stated that the matter “is not something that’s been raised” with the Government. He emphasised that the family is currently believed to be in Moscow, where they fled following the collapse of the Assad regime.
Rebel groups take control of Damascus
The Syrian capital, Damascus, fell into the hands of a coalition of rebel groups on Sunday, marking a dramatic end to the Assad regime. The family of Bashar al-Assad, including Asma Assad, reportedly sought refuge in Russia, with Russian state media confirming their presence in Moscow.
Asma Assad’s British background
Asma Assad, born and raised in London in 1975, was educated in the city before marrying Bashar al-Assad in 2000. Her British citizenship has sparked questions about her potential right to return to the UK. However, Mr McFadden clarified that there has been no indication of such a request.
Government’s position
When asked what action the Government would take if Mrs Assad sought to live in the UK, Mr McFadden responded:
“The family are in Russia as far as we know, that’s what Russian state media have said. We’ve certainly had no contact or no request for Mr Assad’s wife to come to the UK.”
Pressed further on whether Mrs Assad could exercise her rights to return as a British citizen, Mr McFadden added:
“I couldn’t comment on her individual rights. I don’t know her exact circumstances, so I don’t know what would happen in those circumstances, but it’s not something that’s been raised with us.”
Focus on Syria’s future
The Cabinet minister also suggested that the issue would only be addressed if it were officially raised, stating:
“From the point of view of the UK Government, our main concern at the moment is what the future is, whether the rights of citizens and minorities are protected, and whether stability can come to a country that has had so much violence and war over the past 15 years.”
The Assad regime’s downfall has left Syria at a critical juncture, with global attention now turning to the prospects for peace, stability, and the safeguarding of human rights in the war-torn nation.
