28-03-2024 11:40 AM Jerusalem Timing

Cameron Plans Vote on Syria Airstrike in Parliament

Cameron Plans Vote on Syria Airstrike in Parliament

British Prime Minister has given his strongest indication yet that he plans to launch airstrikes against the so-called ’Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’ (ISIL) takfiri group in Syria.

Britain PM David CameronBritish Prime Minister has given his strongest indication yet that he plans to launch airstrikes against the so-called 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' (ISIL) takfiri group in Syria.

David Cameron said Tuesday that military action, which would have to be approved by the UK parliament, was vitally important because ISIL gunmen were “plotting day by day to kill and maim people on the streets of Britain”.

But he admitted he may have to rely on the support of opposition parties to push through a parliamentary motion.

In an interview with BBC radio Tuesday morning, he said the UK was already conducting airstrikes over Iraq and supporting the “intensive military action that’s taking place against ISIL in Syria”.

“Would I like to go further and make sure Britain plays a part in what’s happening against ISIL in Syria? Yes, I would, and I think it would be the right thing for us to do,” he said. “I can’t put a timescale on the vote because it’s perfectly clear to me we have to go back to the House of Commons at a time when there’s a greater consensus across the House of Commons for that action.”

Cameron said he accepted some members of his own party were reluctant to support any military action in Syria, depriving him of enough votes to pass the motion.