‘Britain can’t afford to be an idle bystander after al-Assad’s barbaric regime ends’

UK cannot stand idle

With terrorism and the spread of international crime posing serious dangers after the collapse of dictator Bashar al-Assad’s barbaric regime in Syria, Britain cannot be an idle bystander.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy are aware of the risks which is why they are urging a transition in power without fresh bloodshed. When the HTS Islamist group at the heart of the overthrow is designated a terrorist organisation, the understandable fear is that Syria could be swapping one tyrant for another.

The collapse of authority in Libya after Muammar Gaddafi’s 2011 assassination, which led to waves of refugees flocking across the Mediterranean to Europe, is a warning of what can happen in failing states. Britain’s direct influence is limited but hopefully by co-operating with allies we can play a role in helping Syria enter a happier era.

Tackle this

Football faces the biggest health challenge in the sport’s history as more former players blame headers for causing their brain injuries.

The latest 75 legal cases are not just about responsibility and compensation but the very future of the sport. Many young children playing football now do not head the ball in training as a precaution and a decision may soon have to be taken on the adult game.

Headers are an important part of the game but with evidence mounting that they are causing damage, players may one day find they are uninsurable. Football authorities must tackle an issue that won’t go away.

Dan & dusted

There are no flies on McFly’s Danny Jones after he beat Coleen Rooney to be crowned King of the Jungle.

The second member of the band to win I’m a Celebrity, after Dougie Poynter in 2011, will be singing all the way home from Australia.