UK to give Syrian opposition Armoured vehicles

The UK is to supply armoured vehicles and body armour to Syria opposition forces in a bid to end a crisis that has reached "catastrophic proportions"

William Hague, the Foreign Secretary has said he ordered "more active efforts" after securing a relaxation of an EU arms embargo to allow the provision of non-lethal military equipment to protect civilians.

Testing equipment to provide evidence of any use of chemical weapons by the regime and training for armed groups in international human rights and legal standards is also being sent.

He said £3 million had been allocated this month for the work in Syria with another £10 million to follow - urging other countries to do the same.

"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," he said.

"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."

It came as the number of refugees fleeing the country reached what he called the "sad milestone" of one million refugees.

The UK is also taking advantage of the embargo relaxation to provide assistance, advice and training to the Syrian National Coalition.

Equipment for search and rescue operations and communications will also be sent along with incinerators, rubbish collection and water purification kit to prevent the spread of disease.

Hague said the UK had fought hard to secure the changes to preserve an EU-wide approach but cautioned: "We will have to be ready to move further, and we should not rule out any option for saving lives."

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