A senior party source has confirmed that a free vote on extending RAF strikes against Islamic State targets will be offered, allowing Labour MPs to decide according to their conscience.
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The party’s press office declined to comment on reports that the Labour leader had agreed to the deal during talks with his deputy Tom Watson and other senior shadow cabinet members over the weekend.
“During the meeting, some of the Shadow Cabinet disputed that there could be both a free vote and a ‘strong anti-bombing” policy position.
Such a move would clear the way for David Cameron to call a vote as early as Wednesday, provided he is confident of securing a majority in favour of airstrikes.
“Jeremy Corbyn gives Labour MPs free vote”, read a headline on The Guardian website, adding that Corbyn would ask for “a longer timetable” for a vote that had been expected to be held later this week.
It is no coincidence that the row is about military action, the most sensitive issue for Labour since former leader Tony Blair led Britain into supporting the USA in Iraq on evidence that was later hotly disputed.
Peter Willsman, a member of Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee, argued Labour MPs should be whipped and that any dissenters had “no respect” for party conference.
Please can you provide an assurance that any proposal the government brings forward will be on the basis that there will be a two day debate in the House of Commons.
The debate over whether to authorise military action has exposed the big gap between the Parliamentary Labour Party and its leader.
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“As has happened previously a one day debate would inevitably lead to important contributions being curtailed”.
