Labour, Liberal Democrat and DUP MPs have all backed British air strikes against Islamic State (Isis) targets in Syria in today’s all-day debate in the House of Commons.
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“The question before the House today is how we keep the British people safe from the threat posed by Isil”.
It is thought the first bombing missions could take place before the end of the week if the Commons votes tomorrow in favour of extending the current action against IS in Iraq into neighbouring Syria.
“This strategy must include the global community working together to find a political solution to the turmoil in Syria; a continuation of our extensive humanitarian efforts; and a clear commitment to post-conflict reconstruction of Syria”.
“I respect people who disagree” – Prime Minister David Cameron after calls to apologise for comments made to Tory backbenchers, when he reportedly urged them not to vote with a “bunch of terrorist sympathisers”.
Military experts question how much difference Britain will make to the coalition against IS jihadists in Syria, adding the move may be more about Britain wanting to be seen to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with allies like France and the United States.
UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has spoken out against the proposed bombings and has called on members of his shadow cabinet to vote against the attack.
Falkirk MP John McNally accused David Cameron “arrogance” while East MP Martyn Day said strikes against the country will only cause more human suffering.
NPR’s Peter Kenyon reports that the issue “has divided the opposition Labour Party, whose leader, Jeremy Corbyn, opposes airstrikes in Syria – as do thousands of people who gathered to demonstrate outside Parliament”.
Labour veteran Ken Livingstone, who is in charge of the party’s defence review, last week blamed the 7/7 London terrorist attacks on Tony Blair and said the bombers “gave their lives” for a cause they believed in.
The vote is expected around 10 p.m. local time, or 5 p.m. ET.
Labour sources suggested that 43% of Labour MPs – nearly 100 out of the party’s tally of 231 – supported air strikes in Syria, although it was unclear how many will vote with the Government.
Rainham and Dagenham MP Jon Cruddas has spoken against the air strikes.
Cameron said this time he would not hold the vote if he did not think he could win it.
Mr Cameron said he could “not have been clearer” in his opening remarks.
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It followed a fierce party row after he previously signalled he could force Labour MPs to back his own anti-interventionist position by whipping tomorrow’s vote.
