Britain’s foreign secretary has admitted that Syrian President Bashar al Assad is likely to remain in power for the foreseeable future.

Jeremy Hunt said the Syrian leader is “going to be around for a while” due to ongoing Russian support for his regime.

It marks a change of tack form the British Government, which has previously insisted that he has no legitimacy to rule.

"I think you know the British long-standing position is that we won't have lasting peace in Syria with that regime,” he said.

“But regretfully we do think he's going to be around for a while and that is because of the support that he's had from Russia.

"Russia may think that it's gained a sphere of influence. What we would say to them is: Yes and you've also gained a responsibility.

"If you're going to be involved in Syria then you need to make sure that there really is peace in Syria – and that means making sure that President Assad does not use chemical weapons on his own people."

File photo of UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, 17-12-2018. Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images

It is the first time a British minister has spoken so frankly about the reality on the ground in Syria, as Assad's forces strengthen their grip on power after regaining areas seized in a rebel uprising - supported by the UK and its allies - that began in 2011.

The comments mark a shift in policy from Mr Hunt’s predecessor Boris Johnson who said a year ago that President Assad should only be allowed to stand for re-election if a peace settlement can be agreed.