The UK is to increase the support it provides to rebel fighters in Syria.
Foreign Secretary William Hague is committing an additional £5m to fund communications equipment and medical supplies - mostly to the largest rebel group, the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
However, the assistance will not include any weapons.
Attempts to oust President Bashar al-Assad have led to 17 months of unrest, during which activists claim more than 20,000 people have died.
However, reports of casualties often cannot be independently verified.
The UK is also telling opposition forces they must observe human rights standards.
The extra practical support for the opposition FSA will include more radio and satellite equipment, as well as portable power generators.
The Foreign Office says it will help protect activists from repression and help them overcome the Syrian government's jamming and blocking techniques.
Mr Hague, writing in the Times, says it remains British policy not to send arms.
But he says the risk of not working with Syrians who want a democratic and open Syria is that the conflict will be hijacked by al-Qaeda and other extremists.
And the foreign secretary acknowledges that the risk of total disorder and a power vacuum in Syria is now so great that British contacts with what he calls "political elements" of the Syrian opposition need to be stepped up.
BBC diplomatic correspondent James Robbins says it is a significant shift in policy, after months of British frustration about deep divisions within Syria's opposition, and complaints that it has failed to set out a clear programme for good government .
