'He wasn't exactly good for the Syrian people': Deputy PM welcomes apparent fall of Assad

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner says the collapse of Bashar al Assad's regime in Syria is "welcome news".

Speaking to Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips today, Ms Rayner said: "Well, the situation looks very serious and if the Assad regime has fallen, then I welcome that news.

"But what we need to say is a political resolution in line with the UN resolutions. And we need to see civilians and infrastructure protected.

"Far too many people have lost their lives - we need stability in that region."

Politics latest: Deputy PM responds to Assad's fall

President Assad has fled Syria according to multiple reports, following a lightning-fast rebel advance that saw his power evaporate in less than a fortnight.

The rebels, made up of various opposition groups but led by a one which has its origins in Al-Qaeda, said this morning they are continuing work to complete the transfer of power in Syria to a transitional governing body with full executive powers.

Read more:
Follow live updates from Syria
The power dynamics of this volatile region will utterly change

Ms Rayner added: "If Assad has fallen and that regime is over, I welcome that.

"He wasn't exactly good to the Syrian people.

"So we want to see a political resolution so that we can get that stability for Syrians and make sure that they have their infrastructure so that they have a political government there that is working in the interest of the Syrian people."

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.