The 21st of August saw suspected chemical weapons used against the Syrian people resulting in at least 355 fatalities. Tragically, not the first report of chemical weapons being used in Syria this year. While Assad denies that the Government are behind the attacks, America believe that only Assad has the capabilities. Use of chemical weapons is a violation of International Law and America, the UK Government, France and Turkey have been discussing a military response, with rumours of support from Israel, yet Russia, China and Iran standing firmly against.
In my view David Cameron went to Parliament too early to ask for MP's support to back force if necessary. The vote against him will now make it all the more difficult for Britain to do so, should that become the right thing to do in the future.
Ed Miliband wrote to me yesterday stating what the Labour Party will need to be sure of before making a decision to support the use of force:
1) We must let the UN weapons inspectors do their work and report to the UN Security Council;
2) There must be compelling and internationally-recognised evidence that the Syrian regime was responsible for the chemical weapons attacks;
3) The UN Security Council should debate and vote on the weapons inspectors' findings and other evidence. This is the highest forum of the world's most important multilateral body and we must take it seriously;
4) There should be a clear legal basis in international law for taking military action to protect the Syrian people;
5) Any military action must be time limited, it must have precise and achievable objectives and it must have regard for the consequences of the future impact on the region.
I agree with Ed's requirements and I think he was right in the debate to say he does not rule out supporting the Prime Minister. However, it would seem last night's defeat for the Government could see a stark change in how Britain responds to international atrocities. From being a key player during the last century and the start of the 21st century, yet now moving towards the side lines.
For Britain it would seem military support has been kicked into the long grass. However, I urge the Conservative led government to lead on bringing this moral outrage to a swift resolution. Reach out to the Arab League, re-negotiate the EU arms embargo and see what other sanctions can be put in place and most importantly engage with Russia and China. If they will not consider backing a military response what are they prepared to do in response to this violation of international law?
Every possible avenue must be explored, we cannot stand idly by any longer, inadvertently condoning the use of chemical weapons.
