David Cameron has indicated he would strike at Syria without a United Nations resolution.
Under questioning from the SNP’s Westminster leader, Angus Robertson, the Prime Minister said he anticipated Russia would veto any attempt to come to an agreement on military intervention.
But the Conservative leader insisted any action the UK would take “would be legal” to help protect the country by tackling Daesh, or IS as they want to be known, at the terrorist group’s source following the atrocities in Paris.
The UK, US, France, Russia and Iran have signed a statement agreeing to make progress through the UN, Mr Robertson told Mr Cameron before: “Will you confirm that you will support the UN Security Council resolution on this before seeking to intervene militarily in Syria?”
The PM insisted Russia has “different aims to us” and has repeatedly “threatened to veto” any such resolution.
He added: “Of course, it’s always preferable in these circumstances to have the fulling backing of the UN Security Council. I have to say what matters most of all is any action we take would both be legal and would help to protect our country and people right here.
“You cannot, as I said yesterday, out source to a Russian veto the decisions we need to keep our country safe.”
Citing an opinion poll released on Wednesday morning, Mr Robertson told MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions that 52% of public wanted UN backing before any intervention took place with just 15% favouring unilateral action.
Mr Cameron said such an outcome would be preferable but would be unlikely to get through the UN, adding his job was not to listen to opinion polls but “to keep our country safe.”
He said: “If they are vetoed or threatened with a veto over and over again, my job, frankly, as Prime Minister is not to read a Survation opinion poll but to do the right thing to keep our country safe.”
Earlier in proceedings at the House of Commons, Mr Cameron had said people should “carry on with their lives” in defiance of terrorism.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn – who rose to near silence on his own benches – expressed solidarity with the victims of the Paris attacks but questioned Mr Cameron on neighbourhood policing in the UK at the weekly clash.
Mr Cameron repeated UK Government plans to increase spending on the security services but amid a row about police funding ahead of next week’s Autumn Statement insisted the number of police officers on the front line had increased in the past five years.
For full story and reaction, see Thursday’s Courier.