The European Union has agreed not to renew an arms embargo on the Syrian opposition, meaning individual countries could arm the opposition. Pressure to arm the rebels, mainly from the British and French foreign ministers, was not successful with the EU deciding not to deliver any weapons to the rebels.
William Hague welcomed the decision, saying it was "important for Europe to send a clear signal to the Assad regime that it has to negotiate seriously, and that all options remain on the table if it refuses to do so".
However his bid to arm the rebels faced criticism at home, with shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander questioning the governments moves.
“As William Hague meets EU foreign ministers today, he should be asking both is it legal, and is it advisable to send arms to Syria's rebels.
”How would the Government prevent British-supplied weapons falling into the wrong hands, and how does supplying weapons help to secure a lasting peace.” Alexander said.
