UK welcomes U.S. sanctions on those said linked to Syrian chemical weapons

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain welcomed U.S. sanctions against individuals alleged to be connected to the use of chemical weapons in Syria on Monday, saying they were a clear signal "that actions have consequences". Foreign minister Boris Johnson said Britain would support efforts to hold those responsible for chemical attacks to account and would push for a political settlement to end the conflict in Syria, after the United States blacklisted 271 employees of a Syrian government agency. "The UK welcomes U.S. action to sanction individuals connected to the use of chemical weapons in Syria," he said in a statement. "Sanctions send a clear signal that actions have consequences and seek to deter others from a similar acts of barbarism. We welcome the role sanctions play in increasing pressure on the Syrian regime to turn away from its military campaign." (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; editing by Andrew Roche)