NI MPs to vote on air strikes in Syria

Although Corbyn eventually gave his party a free vote, instead of whipping around to make sure everyone voted the same way, the impact was so “serious” that the latest YouGov poll, commissioned by The Times newspaper, showed that 65% of respondents think that he is “doing badly” as a leader.

His approval rating has nearly halved since November 17.

Monday’s shadow cabinet meeting was told that some 43 percent of Labour MPs – almost 100 out of 231 – supported air strikes while 57 percent or 132 would oppose them.

Do not underestimate how awful the polling results are.

“While many colleagues agree with the compelling moral and legal case for action, a large section of Labour MPs remain unconvinced about two areas in particular and would welcome more clarity on these issues”, he wrote.

He has been forced to offer a free vote to his MPs after a shadow cabinet rebellion.

Prime Minister Mr Cameron caused controversy on the eve of the vote by reportedly labelling Mr Corbyn and other opponents to the air strikes as “terrorist sympathisers”.

It is now expected that a parliamentary majority combining Labour, Conservative and other MPs exists for bombing Assad’s opponents Daesh.

Prime Minister David Cameron will lead Wednesday’s debate in the House of Commons ahead of a late-night vote.

Prime Minister’s Questions is expected to be cancelled tomorrow to clear extra time in the Commons schedule for the debate to be held.

While admitting the arrangement was “certainly unusual”, a Labour source insisted: “I don’t think it’s shambolic”.

Labour MP for Redcar Anna Soubry, who was one of the few MPs who addressed the media after her a “new members” briefing with the Ministry of Defence said she was pleased that Mr Corbyn had decided on a free vote.

The vote will take place between 10pm and 11pm.

In a statement Mr. Cameron said, “Isil poses a very direct threat to the United Kingdom – and as we have already seen in Iraq, British airstrikes can play a key role in degrading them; but they are only part of a comprehensive strategy for Syria”.

“His belief is that we can get rid of Isil by bombing them”. “The headquarters of the terrorists is in Syria and it makes no sense to recognize this border in the action we take when ISIL themselves don’t recognize this border”, he added.

But Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, urged MPs to vote against the motion.

‘I will be making the arguments and I hope as many Members of Parliament – across all parties – will support me as possible, ‘ he said today. But I also know from the many letters I received and conversations held that I have the support of you, my constituents, in reaching my decision and I want to thank you all and say how proud I am of the thoughtful, measured and caring people of Shields, who have shared their views with me prior to this important vote.