‘Syrians are celebrating the tip of a 13-year struggle – however what occurs subsequent cannot be ignored’

With ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad reportedly fleeing to Moscow, Syrians are understandably celebrating the end of a bloody 13-year civil war.

However, fears over what happens next cannot be ignored.

There is concern over how the rebel coalition will rule when at its heart is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist offshoot of al Qaeda. The clear worry is that Syrians could be swapping one oppressor for another.

That would be another terrible tragedy in a blighted Middle East country, where millions have been displaced and millions more refugees who escaped dream of returning home.

Let’s hope this moment is not the dawn of another grim episode.

Heat’s on PM

Firefighters seeking an inflation-beating pay rise of up to 5% illustrate the financial pressure Keir Starmer’s government is under when it aims to improve living standards.

General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack, is an experienced negotiator who will need to know when to compromise.

But it is not unreasonable for workers to desire greater spending power.

When Labour clearly inherited awful public finances and faces a multitude of demands and priorities, avoiding disruption to services will require give and take on all sides, sound judgment and probably a bit of luck.

Key workers we applauded during Covid understandably expect a better deal under Labour than they got under two-faced Tories.

Liz’s legacy

Nobody could fail to be moved by the loving testament of Victoria Robayna whose teenage photographer daughter Liz was inspired by the Princess of Wales.

Liz’s zest for life, concern for her little brother Mateo and for others suffering the fatal cancer – donating her body to medical science – is a tale both heartbreaking and heartwarming this close to Christmas.