Syria: British Military Action
The Government is advancing the case for extending British military operations to Syria. Currently, our military involvement stops at the border with Iraq (where the UK is engaged in military action). The Government is opposed to the Syrian regime of President Assad and the danger posed to the UK by ISIL forces who are fighting Assad in Syria and launching their campaign of terror across the world as recently seen in Paris.
The Government has indicated that it will not take this step unless a majority of MPs vote in favour of military action. A vote has yet to be brought and, as your MP, I will be taking time to consider the arguments brought forward by the Prime Minister and other members of the Government who recommend military action in Syria. I shall also be considering the arguments brought forward by those who are concerned about UK involvement.
It is important for me to consider what form of military action will be proposed (i.e. air strikes/ground troops), whether a coalition including US, Russia, France and others can agree on coordinated action and the aftermath, what the end to our involvement would look like (and when this would be) and the downside to our involvement versus the current downside from our non-involvement.
Please rest assured that this is a decision which I will make after examining all of the above issues, and more which may arise. The aim of the Government is to deliver cross-party support hence I believe this decision is bigger than party politics.
Attached to this page are documents which advance the arguments. Please continue to review this section of my website for further developments.