Britain has recognised the fledgling Syrian National Coalition, saying the opposition group is the "sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people".
The announcement, by foreign secretary William Hague, could boost its chances of securing foreign assistance as it seeks to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces, set up this month to unite diverse opposition voices, welcomed the move.
France was the first EU country to recognise the group, going further than Monday's EU-wide recognition of the coalition as the legitimate representatives of the "aspirations" of the Syrian people. - (Reuters)
