David Cameron urged MPs from all parties – including Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour – to back his call for military action against Islamic State (IS) in Syria.
The Prime Minister said a motion that the Commons will vote on Wednesday has military action against IS – also known as Isil – as part of a “broader strategy” for the region.
With Mr Corbyn opposed to the extension of the bombing campaign from Iraq into neighbouring Syria and the prospect of a small rebellion on the Tory benches, Mr Cameron needs the backing of Labour MPs at odds with their leader to guarantee success in the vote.
Speaking from Downing Street he said: “I will be making the arguments and I hope as many Members of Parliament – across all parties – will support me as possible.
“We had a meeting of the Cabinet this morning and have agreed the motion that will be put in front of the House of Commons.
“That motion talks about, yes, the necessity of taking military action agains Isil in Syria as well as Iraq, but it is part of a broader strategy.
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“It’s about politics and diplomacy and humanitarian aid, all of which we need to bring to bear to bring peace to Syria but to make sure we protect our national interest of fighting against this appalling terrorist organisation.”
Asked how soon military action could begin in Syria if the vote is passed on Wednesday night, Mr Cameron pointed out that the RAF was already engaged instrikes against IS in Iraq.
He defended the way the debate was being handled following Labour criticism that he was not allowing two days for Parliament to consider military action.
Mr Cameron said: “Obviously when you contemplate any military action – and remember our pilots are flying over Iraq attacking Isil at the moment, day after day – there is a risk to our brave armed forces when we put them in harm’s way. That’s why we should think so carefully before doing so.
“This has been a very deliberate and proper process – a Cabinet meeting, legal advice, a proper motion in front of the House of Commons, 10-and-a-half hours’ debate tomorrow in the House of Commons and obviously we should think of our brave armed forces and their families for the risk that they take on our behalf.
“That obviously preys very heavily on my mind.”