David Cameron to risk Commons vote over Syria airstrikes

Britain is already involved in airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq but has not so far taken part in bombings of the group’s positions in Syria.

While making clear his personal opposition to the extension of air strikes, Mr McDonnell said the “horrendous mistake” of the Iraq war had been partly due to MPs being “whipped and threatened and pushed” into supporting “something many of them did not believe in”.

The Prime Minister said all MPs would have to make their minds up “when the choice comes”.

While Mr Campbell is a long-time supporter of Mr Corbyn, the Labour leader also received strong support from North East MPs who backed rival candidates in the leadership contest earlier this year. He said he agrees with Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn that the country is at risk but that a full decision won’t be made until Monday on where the party stands.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who faces a December general election, stated he would hold off on any decision on action in Syria [JJ Guillen/EPA] Additionally on Saturday, about 5,000 people demonstrated against potential Spanish involvement within the conflict, with protesters chanting “No to war” outside the Reina Sofia museum within the capital Madrid.

But Jeremy Corbyn, has writen to all Labour MPs setting out his opposition to military action. “We have a Labour leader who lives in a parallel universe”.

Mr Watson will only ask the Shadow Cabinet for a show of hands if the leader insists on trying to block a free vote.

This time Jeremy Corbyn has exhausted the patience of his shadow cabinet and is facing open revolt. Cameron lost a vote in Parliament two years ago to allow attacks on Syria, and has been reluctant to even suggest another until he could be certain to win.

On his election the Tories at first had a real go describing Corbyn in apocalyptic terms as if he was a threat to Christendom. Thanking the British people for their support, Mr Hollande told a press conference at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Malta: “I do hope that the House of Commons will be able to meet the request of Prime Minister Cameron”. All I would say is whatever party it is, listen to the arguments that have been put forward before thinking about voting because I think there is a compelling case that taking military action alongside our allies can help to address the threat from Isil [Islamic State]’.

He also noted “it’s not about United Kingdom ground troops”.

Mr Cameron said he would not call a vote in the Commons on airstrikes in Syria until he was sure there was a clear majority in favour of action as defeat would be a “publicity coup” for IS.

The shadow global development secretary said: “David Cameron has not made the case for bombing Syria”.

“I don’t think this is a country that lets others like the French or the Americans defend our interests and protect us from terrorist organizations – we should contribute to that effort”.