Debate on Thursday, 29 August 2013, in the House of Commons, led by Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton. The answering member was Ed Miliband.

Syria and the Use of Chemical Weapons

Motion in the name of the Prime Minister relating to Syria and the use of chemical weapons. Amendment negatived on division (220 to 332). Main question negatived on division (272 to 285).

Secondary information

Type: Parliamentary proceeding
Reference: 566 cc1547-1556
Session: 2013-14
Department: Prime Minister
Procedure: Government defeats
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Developments in UK foreign policy.
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Parliamentary committees
House of Commons; Deposited Paper DEP2013-1489
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Proceeding contributions: John Bercow | 566 c1547 (Link to this contribution)
We now come to the motion in the name of the Prime Minister relating to Syria and the use of chem...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1547-1426 (Link to this contribution)
I beg to move,
That this House:
Deplores the use of chemical weapons in Syria on 21 A...; Caroline Lucas | 566 c1426 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Prime Minister give way on that point?; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1426 (Link to this contribution)
In a moment.
We have the key independent judgments of the Joint Intelligence Committee, whi...; Caroline Lucas | 566 c1426 (Link to this contribution)
I am very grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way. Will he tell the House why he has refuse...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1427 (Link to this contribution)
There had been a long-standing convention, backed by Attorney-Generals of all parties and all Gov...; Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom | 566 c1427 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Prime Minister give way?; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1427 (Link to this contribution)
I will make some progress and then I will take a huge number of interventions.
I am deeply ...; Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom | 566 c1427 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for giving way. As he knows, a couple of days ago I expecte...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1428 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend. In drawing up my motion I want to unite as much of the cou...; Joan Ruddock | 566 c1428 (Link to this contribution)
I am most grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way. My reading of his motion tells me that e...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1428 (Link to this contribution)
I wanted the recall of this House in order to debate these absolutely vital national and internat...; 566 c1428 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1428-9 (Link to this contribution)
Let me make a little more progress and then I will take interventions from across the House.
<...; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1429 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Prime Minister give way?; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1429 (Link to this contribution)
This is important; let me make this point.
However, I believe that the Opposition motion is...; Julian Brazier | 566 c1429 (Link to this contribution)
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s decision to go through the UN process, but will he confirm to th...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1429 (Link to this contribution)
I think it would be unthinkable to proceed if there were overwhelming opposition in the Security ...; 566 c1429 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1429-1430 (Link to this contribution)
I want to make this point, because I think it is very important.
However, it cannot be the ...; Daniel Kawczynski | 566 c1430 (Link to this contribution)
I am extremely grateful to my right hon. Friend for taking the time to listen to the concerns of ...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1430 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend makes a good point, and let us be clear that no decision about military action has...; Tony Baldry | 566 c1430 (Link to this contribution)
On the matter of international law, did not the world leaders and the UN sign up unanimously in 2...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1430 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend makes a very important point that relates to what happened in Kosovo and elsewhere...; Bob Ainsworth | 566 c1430 (Link to this contribution)
The Prime Minister cites the issues relating to Iraq and the impact they have on decisions today,...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1430 (Link to this contribution)
What I would say to the right hon. Gentleman is that the case I am making is that the House of Co...; 566 c1431 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1431 (Link to this contribution)
Let me take an intervention from the Democratic Unionist party.; Sammy Wilson | 566 c1431 (Link to this contribution)
I thank the Prime Minister for giving way. I doubt there are many people in this House who do not...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1431 (Link to this contribution)
The point for considering this tougher approach is that we know there are the 14 uses of chemical...; 566 c1431 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1431-2 (Link to this contribution)
Let me make a little progress.
In my speech I want to do three things: explain what we know...; Glenda Jackson | 566 c1432 (Link to this contribution)
I am most grateful to the Prime Minister. What has convinced him—where is the evidence?—that an a...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1432-3 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Lady makes an extremely serious point. As I have just said, in the end there is no 100% ...; Peter Bone | 566 c1433 (Link to this contribution)
The Prime Minister is making a very powerful and heartfelt speech. Could he explain to the House ...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1433 (Link to this contribution)
That is a very good question. If my hon. Friend reads the JIC conclusions, he will see that this ...; 566 c1433 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1433 (Link to this contribution)
I will take a question from the Scottish National party.; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1433 (Link to this contribution)
I am very grateful to the Prime Minister. Does he know whether there were any plans over the last...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1433 (Link to this contribution)
One obviously cannot discuss the details of potential action in detail in front of this House, bu...; Hugh Bayley | 566 c1433 (Link to this contribution)
I agree with the Prime Minister about the horror of chemical weapons, but the vast majority of th...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1434 (Link to this contribution)
It is a good question, but I am afraid that I cannot make any of those assurances. Obviously, we ...; Robert Halfon | 566 c1434 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for standing tall and for supporting Britain’s historical t...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1434 (Link to this contribution)
I applaud my hon. Friend for always standing up against genocide, wherever it takes place in the ...; 566 c1434 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1434-5 (Link to this contribution)
I am going to make some progress. As I said, the second part of my speech deals with the actions ...; Angus Robertson | 566 c1435 (Link to this contribution)
Notwithstanding the differences I have with the Prime Minister on the issue of timing and his app...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1435 (Link to this contribution)
I certainly agree that people should be subject to the ICC and, of course, possession and use of ...; 566 c1435 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1435 (Link to this contribution)
Let me make a little more progress and then I will give way.
As I have said, I have consult...; Andrew Selous | 566 c1435 (Link to this contribution)
Does the Prime Minister agree that our constituents are concerned about Britain’s becoming involv...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1435 (Link to this contribution)
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. I am fully aware of the deep public scepticism and war-we...; Jack Straw | 566 c1436 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Prime Minister give way?; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1436 (Link to this contribution)
I give way to the former Home Secretary.; 566 c1436 (Link to this contribution)
And former Foreign Secretary, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.; Jack Straw | 566 c1436 (Link to this contribution)
And Member of Parliament for Blackburn.
The Prime Minister said a moment ago, within the he...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1436 (Link to this contribution)
Of course, the right hon. Gentleman has had many jobs—Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary and so on...; Julian Lewis | 566 c1436 (Link to this contribution)
Although the Joint Intelligence Committee says it is baffled about the motivation for Assad’s use...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1437 (Link to this contribution)
I am happy to consider that request, because the ISC plays a very important role, but I do not wa...; John Baron | 566 c1437 (Link to this contribution)
I thank the Prime Minister for being generous in giving way.
The reason many of us in Parli...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1437 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend and I have not agreed on every aspect of Syrian policy, as is well known. If we we...; Penny Mordaunt | 566 c1437 (Link to this contribution)
The use of chemical weapons has made Syria our business. Does the Prime Minister agree that to mi...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1437 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend makes an important point. One of the questions our constituents ask most is where ...; 566 c1437 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1437-8 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way a bit more in a minute, but I want to make some further progress and leave plenty...; Keith Vaz | 566 c1438 (Link to this contribution)
One of the consequences of intervening will be the effect that it will have on other countries in...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1438 (Link to this contribution)
I have taken advice from all of the experts about all the potential impacts on the region, which ...; Simon Hughes | 566 c1438 (Link to this contribution)
I believe that my constituents, like those of the rest of the House, want the Prime Minister to m...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1438-9 (Link to this contribution)
I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend that we must continue the process of diplomatic enga...; 566 c1439 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1439 (Link to this contribution)
I will take one more intervention.; Tom Clarke | 566 c1439 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Prime Minister reflect on the question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Leiceste...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1439 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman makes an extremely important point, and we should be proud in the House ...; 566 c1439 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 cc1439-1440 (Link to this contribution)
Let me just make this point. When people study the legal advice published by the Government, they...; Ed Miliband | 566 cc1440-2 (Link to this contribution)
I beg to move manuscript amendment (b), leave out from ‘House’ to end and add—
‘expresses i...; Malcolm Rifkind | 566 c1442 (Link to this contribution)
The Leader of the Opposition has said that he might be able to support military action of the kin...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1442 (Link to this contribution)
I will develop in my remarks why I do not think that is the case. In particular, I would point to...; Martin Horwood | 566 c1443 (Link to this contribution)
I very much welcome the right hon. Gentleman’s doctrine that evidence should precede decision; th...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1443 (Link to this contribution)
I think it is important evidence, but we need to gather further evidence over the coming days. Th...; Andrew Selous | 566 c1443 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1443 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Julian Huppert | 566 c1443 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Toby Perkins | 566 c1443 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Ed Miliband | 566 c1443 (Link to this contribution)
I give way to the hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert).; Julian Huppert | 566 c1443 (Link to this contribution)
The Leader of the Opposition is right that the UN Security Council should not be just a sideshow,...; Ed Miliband | 566 cc1443-4 (Link to this contribution)
I will come directly to that question. It is because there will be those who argue that in the ev...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1444 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman is right; I did not cover everything in my speech. I could have gone int...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1444 (Link to this contribution)
Well, that is the Attorney-General’s view—[Interruption.] That is the view that needs to be teste...; Glenda Jackson | 566 c1444 (Link to this contribution)
I am referring to the fourth paragraph of our road map. My right hon. Friend has already touched ...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1444 (Link to this contribution)
I am coming exactly to that point, which is that the Government need to set that out in the comin...; Julian Brazier | 566 c1444 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Ed Miliband | 566 cc1444-5 (Link to this contribution)
I want to make a bit more progress.
The international community also has a duty to do every...; John Baron | 566 c1445 (Link to this contribution)
For the sake of clarity for the House, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether, if there was...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1445 (Link to this contribution)
It depends on the case that has been set out and the extent to which international support has be...; Paul Maynard | 566 c1445 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn (Glenda Jackson) asked an important question that I fee...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1445 (Link to this contribution)
Yes I can, because the amendment goes on to say,
“designed to deter the future use of prohi...; Crispin Blunt | 566 c1445 (Link to this contribution)
On consequences, I am listening carefully to the Leader of the Opposition and he is effectively m...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1445 (Link to this contribution)
I am saying to the hon. Gentleman and the House that over the coming period, we have to assess in...; Nadhim Zahawi | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
Listening to the right hon. Gentleman’s speech, any reasonable human being would assume that he i...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
That intervention is not worthy of the hon. Gentleman. I am merely trying to set out a framework ...; Lord McCabe | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
It is one thing to not rule out military action, but is not the problem with the Government’s mot...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
I say to my hon. Friend and the House that this morning, it was noticeable that the Government mo...; Penny Mordaunt | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Ed Miliband | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
I am going to make a bit more progress.; Angus Robertson | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Ed Miliband | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way.; Angus Robertson | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that in advance of previous conflicts, such as the interven...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
I have had the benefit of briefings with the Prime Minister, but I am sure that he, having heard ...; Penny Mordaunt | 566 c1446 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Ed Miliband | 566 c1447 (Link to this contribution)
I will not give way.
As I was saying, by setting this framework today, we will give ourselv...; Penny Mordaunt | 566 c1447 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Ed Miliband | 566 c1447 (Link to this contribution)
No, I want to make this point.
I do not rule out supporting the Prime Minister, but I belie...; Jim Sheridan | 566 c1447 (Link to this contribution)
May I thank my right hon. Friend and the shadow Foreign Secretary for the measured approach that ...; Ed Miliband | 566 c1447 (Link to this contribution)
That is why there must not be a rush to judgment—my hon. Friend is entirely right.; Penny Mordaunt | 566 c1447 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman speaks of a road map. Does he not appreciate that the first stage in our...; Ed Miliband | 566 cc1447-8 (Link to this contribution)
We will not support a Government motion that was briefed this morning as setting out an in-princi...; 566 c1448 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; John Bercow | 566 c1448 (Link to this contribution)
No fewer than 99 right hon. and hon. Members are seeking to catch my eye, meaning that necessaril...; Joan Ruddock | 566 c1448 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Prime Minister—or, at least, a spokesperson—told the media y...; John Bercow | 566 c1448 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Lady is an immensely experienced Member—she is now into her 26th year; she started...; Malcolm Rifkind | 566 cc1448-9 (Link to this contribution)
I listened in the most charitable manner I could to the Leader of the Opposition explaining why h...; Gerald Kaufman | 566 c1449 (Link to this contribution)
When the right hon. and learned Gentleman says that we know that Syria is the only country in the...; Malcolm Rifkind | 566 cc1449-1450 (Link to this contribution)
Let us use another occasion, if we may, to debate these important allegations. The issue is that ...; Jack Straw | 566 cc1450-1 (Link to this contribution)
I was the final speaker in the debate in this House on 18 March 2003 on the resolution in which I...; Richard Bacon | 566 c1451 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman described Iraq as an intelligence failure, but what actually happened wa...; Jack Straw | 566 c1451 (Link to this contribution)
We can debate the Iraq inquiries at another date, and I am sure that we shall do so. I accept my ...; Paul Flynn | 566 c1451 (Link to this contribution)
The House was told that there were weapons of mass destruction that posed a threat to the United ...; Jack Straw | 566 cc1451-2 (Link to this contribution)
With respect to my hon. Friend, the arguments about Afghanistan, then and now, are very different...; Liam Fox | 566 cc1452-3 (Link to this contribution)
There are a number of things on which the House will be generally agreed. The first is that, for ...; Chris Bryant | 566 c1453 (Link to this contribution)
I accept many of the points that the right hon. Gentleman is making, but many Opposition and, I t...; Liam Fox | 566 c1453 (Link to this contribution)
I entirely understand the hon. Gentleman’s point, which is valid. As the Prime Minister said, it ...; 566 c1453 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Liam Fox | 566 c1453 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way once more, to my hon. Friend here.; Mary MacLeod | 566 c1453 (Link to this contribution)
I thank my right hon. Friend for giving way. Does he agree that if we do nothing and stand by and...; Liam Fox | 566 cc1453-4 (Link to this contribution)
If we do nothing I believe it would be an abdication of our international legal and moral obligat...; Baroness Jowell | 566 cc1454-5 (Link to this contribution)
I rise to speak in favour of the amendment tabled by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Oppos...; John Bercow | 566 c1455 (Link to this contribution)
Order.
4.9 pm; Lord Campbell of Pittenweem | 566 c1455 (Link to this contribution)
It is no secret that, notwithstanding the horrors of Damascus, I have reservations about the use ...; Lord Beith | 566 c1455 (Link to this contribution)
Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that for some of us at least, tonight’s vote will not...; Lord Campbell of Pittenweem | 566 cc1455-6 (Link to this contribution)
I think my right hon. Friend is referring, by way of inference, to the suggestion that there has ...; Stephen Doughty | 566 c1456 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. and learned Gentleman spoke a moment ago of the responsibility to protect. One of ...; Lord Campbell of Pittenweem | 566 cc1456-7 (Link to this contribution)
We cannot arrive at a conclusion on the prospects of success until we have more information than ...; Angus Robertson | 566 c1457 (Link to this contribution)
Across the House, in all political parties, there is total revulsion at what has been happening i...; Jim Cunningham | 566 c1457 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the public are suspicious about the argument that the issue is...; Angus Robertson | 566 cc1457-8 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point that will be noticed outside the House.
I appeal to G...; Duncan Hames | 566 c1458 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Angus Robertson | 566 cc1458-9 (Link to this contribution)
I have only 30 seconds left.
We cannot ignore the lessons of the calamitous Iraq war. We ne...; Richard Ottaway | 566 c1459 (Link to this contribution)
There are four key questions we have to address. Is there a moral case? Does the intelligence sta...; Michael McCann | 566 c1459 (Link to this contribution)
One component common to both the motion and the Opposition’s amendment is the possibility of our ...; Richard Ottaway | 566 c1460 (Link to this contribution)
We have to take the world as we find it. The situation has been made quite clear, including by th...; Jack Straw | 566 c1460 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Gentleman be a bit more precise? Today, the Prime Minister widened the objectives t...; Richard Ottaway | 566 c1460 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman put that point to the Prime Minister, and I thought he dealt with it. Ge...; Joan Ruddock | 566 c1460 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Gentleman give way?; Richard Ottaway | 566 cc1460-1 (Link to this contribution)
I am sorry, but I have used up my two interventions.
The Attorney-General’s view is that th...; John McDonnell | 566 c1461 (Link to this contribution)
I want to thank the Conservative Back Benchers, a number of Liberal Democrat Members, the Leader ...; Jeremy Corbyn | 566 c1461 (Link to this contribution)
Is my hon. Friend not surprised that the British Government appear to have made no rational effor...; John McDonnell | 566 cc1461-2 (Link to this contribution)
That leads to my third lesson from Iraq, and from Afghanistan. It is to ensure that any intervent...; Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom | 566 c1462 (Link to this contribution)
In common, I suspect, with all Members, I find this an exceptionally difficult issue. My constitu...; Andrew Miller | 566 c1462 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman is making an important point. The very last sentence of the Attorney-Gen...; Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom | 566 cc1462-3 (Link to this contribution)
I want to come to the Attorney-General’s advice. My right hon. and learned Friend is an exception...; Mark Durkan | 566 c1463 (Link to this contribution)
Is the right hon. Gentleman’s concern about a possible new doctrine of war as punishment informed...; Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom | 566 c1463 (Link to this contribution)
Well, possibly, although there is a question, if there is a new doctrine, about how far it extend...; Paul Flynn | 566 c1463 (Link to this contribution)
During my time in this House, chemical weapons have been used against the Kurds; they were used i...; Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom | 566 cc1463-4 (Link to this contribution)
No, I do not think so. I think the real reason is that unless we do something—it must not be some...; Elfyn Llwyd | 566 c1464 (Link to this contribution)
Looking at the Government motion taken in the round, it appears to me, despite the statement that...; Bill Wiggin | 566 c1465 (Link to this contribution)
In the right hon. Gentleman’s legal experience and opinion, at what point does destroying air def...; Elfyn Llwyd | 566 c1465 (Link to this contribution)
Clearly, regime change is unlawful in international law. Any incursion of that kind would have to...; Naomi Long | 566 c1465 (Link to this contribution)
There appear to be two conflicting objectives in what has been set out by the Prime Minister. Doe...; Elfyn Llwyd | 566 cc1465-6 (Link to this contribution)
That is a very good question. The abstract of the legal opinion presumes that there will be no pr...; Julian Lewis | 566 c1466 (Link to this contribution)
As the Prime Minister pointed out, poison gas was extensively used in battle in the first world w...; Brooks Newmark | 566 c1466 (Link to this contribution)
If my hon. Friend is talking about Hitler’s use of gas on soldiers he should not forget that Hitl...; Julian Lewis | 566 cc1466-7 (Link to this contribution)
I am delighted to have the extra minute, especially as that was the next point I was going to mak...; Bernard Jenkin | 566 c1467 (Link to this contribution)
There is a clear motive for Assad to have done this. He has used chemical weapons on five previou...; Julian Lewis | 566 c1467 (Link to this contribution)
I greatly respect my hon. Friend’s opinions on this and all other related matters, but neverthele...; Matthew Offord | 566 c1467 (Link to this contribution)
Will my hon. Friend give way?; Julian Lewis | 566 cc1467-8 (Link to this contribution)
I will not give way as I am still answering the previous question. I think it just as likely that...; Gerald Kaufman | 566 cc1468-9 (Link to this contribution)
Syria did not start having an evil regime last week or two years ago; it has had an evil regime f...; Lord Hague of Richmond | 566 c1469 (Link to this contribution)
indicated dissent.; Gerald Kaufman | 566 c1469 (Link to this contribution)
Ah, the Deputy Prime Minister is to reply. In that case, we are on a higher moral level.
If...; David Davis | 566 cc1469-1470 (Link to this contribution)
When the Prime Minister wanted to take military action in Libya, most of us supported him because...; Bernard Jenkin | 566 c1470 (Link to this contribution)
It is impossible to imagine how the rebels would have the capacity to shell a single location fro...; David Davis | 566 c1470 (Link to this contribution)
If I had 10 minutes to take my hon. Friend through the forensics, I probably could. There is plen...; John Bercow | 566 cc1470-1 (Link to this contribution)
I call George Galloway.
5.9 pm; George Galloway | 566 cc1471-2 (Link to this contribution)
Thank God for the erudition and historical memory of the last three speakers; those qualities wer...; John McDonnell | 566 c1472 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Gentleman give way?; George Galloway | 566 c1472 (Link to this contribution)
Willingly.; John McDonnell | 566 c1472 (Link to this contribution)
If only for another 60 seconds. The hon. Gentleman made reference to arms supplied to Syria, but ...; George Galloway | 566 c1472 (Link to this contribution)
Indeed.
I now have 60 seconds at my disposal, so let me make this point more clearly. When ...; Matthew Offord | 566 c1472 (Link to this contribution)
Mr Speaker, I think you will be very interested to know that several constituents have e-mailed m...; George Galloway | 566 cc1472-3 (Link to this contribution)
That just shows the unreliability of green-ink letters, whether they come in the post or by e-mai...; Andrew Mitchell | 566 c1473 (Link to this contribution)
One does not have to follow the oratory of the hon. Member for Bradford West (George Galloway) to...; Roger Gale | 566 c1473 (Link to this contribution)
Am I right in believing that, whether or not there is a Security Council resolution, it is still ...; Andrew Mitchell | 566 cc1473-4 (Link to this contribution)
I cannot give my hon. Friend a direct answer, but I refer him to the Attorney-General’s legal adv...; Tim Farron | 566 c1474 (Link to this contribution)
My right hon. Friend was an extremely good International Development Secretary. This is the large...; Andrew Mitchell | 566 c1474 (Link to this contribution)
The views of the NGOs on this matter are mixed, but what is clear is that part of the contributio...; Jim Shannon | 566 c1474 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Andrew Mitchell | 566 c1474 (Link to this contribution)
I am afraid I have had my injury time.
I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Westmorla...; Alasdair McDonnell | 566 cc1474-5 (Link to this contribution)
I rise to agree with many of those present and to say that, in my opinion, we are all united in o...; Jim Shannon | 566 c1475 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Gentleman share my concern, and that of many Members, about the Christian minority ...; Alasdair McDonnell | 566 c1475 (Link to this contribution)
I share the hon. Gentleman’s concerns, which dovetail with my point that whatever the British Gov...; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1475 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Gentleman fear, as I do, that if the Prime Minister were to win the vote on his mot...; Alasdair McDonnell | 566 c1476 (Link to this contribution)
My view, which I do not think is far removed from that of other Members, is that mission creep is...; Bernard Jenkin | 566 c1476 (Link to this contribution)
What message would come from this House were we to vote for the Opposition amendment and, in effe...; Alasdair McDonnell | 566 c1476 (Link to this contribution)
I can only refer the hon. Gentleman to Iraq and its consequences. We have all been left scarred b...; Lord Redwood | 566 cc1476-7 (Link to this contribution)
We make no more important decision in this House than to give permission to our armed forces to u...; Graham Stuart | 566 c1477 (Link to this contribution)
Does my right hon. Friend agree that what we would like to hear from the Deputy Prime Minister wh...; Lord Redwood | 566 c1477 (Link to this contribution)
Of course I agree with that. Any sensible Government would do that, because what Government can c...; Cheryl Gillan | 566 c1477 (Link to this contribution)
Will my right hon. Friend just go a bit further and agree that anybody going through the Governme...; Lord Redwood | 566 cc1477-8 (Link to this contribution)
I leave the Deputy Prime Minister to speak for himself and the Government.
The third thing ...; Lord Brennan of Canton | 566 c1478 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Reports are circulating that No. 10 has indicated that it cannot...; John Bercow | 566 cc1478-9 (Link to this contribution)
The short answer to the hon. Gentleman is no; the first I have heard of that has been from his li...; Caroline Lucas | 566 cc1479-1480 (Link to this contribution)
Later this evening, the House will divide over whether in principle this country should undertake...; Jeremy Corbyn | 566 c1480 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Lady agree that the Government’s position would be far stronger if instead of comin...; Caroline Lucas | 566 c1480 (Link to this contribution)
I could not agree more with the hon. Gentleman. As he rightly highlights, we have an opportunity ...; Martin Horwood | 566 c1480 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Lady seems to be making a reasonably powerful case against any use of military force wha...; Caroline Lucas | 566 cc1480-1 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman’s point is, unfortunately, a very strong one—[Interruption.] He knows what I m...; Lord Bruce of Bennachie | 566 cc1481-2 (Link to this contribution)
In this kind of debate, there comes a point when people say, “Everything’s been said, but not eve...; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1482 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman raises some substantial doubts. The Prime Minister earlier spoke about t...; Lord Bruce of Bennachie | 566 c1482 (Link to this contribution)
I think it is a matter of judgment. I am giving my judgment and the Prime Minister has given his....; Richard Graham | 566 c1482 (Link to this contribution)
My right hon. Friend expressed earlier his concerns about the case for military intervention not ...; Lord Bruce of Bennachie | 566 cc1482-3 (Link to this contribution)
I accept that, and I think I have made clear that what I want to see is how this action will take...; Albert Owen | 566 c1483 (Link to this contribution)
It is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm Bruce) and I agree with ...; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1483 (Link to this contribution)
With reference to the earlier point of order that Parliament could be recalled on Saturday, does ...; Albert Owen | 566 cc1483-4 (Link to this contribution)
It would be farcical, and folly. I think it is folly that we are here today, to be honest.
...; Andrew George | 566 c1484 (Link to this contribution)
I agree that the Government have made a tactical change from calling the House to debate a motion...; Albert Owen | 566 cc1484-5 (Link to this contribution)
I believe that it is an escalator and that this could be the first, very dangerous, step.
I...; Meg Munn | 566 c1485 (Link to this contribution)
I would like to see humanitarian protected areas. That would take troops. Is my hon. Friend sugge...; Albert Owen | 566 c1485 (Link to this contribution)
A UN peacekeeping force could be used. There are many ways to do that, but I would rather see tha...; Lord Lilley | 566 cc1485-6 (Link to this contribution)
I am extremely reluctant to endorse military action in Syria. My reluctance does not spring from ...; Roger Godsiff | 566 cc1486-7 (Link to this contribution)
I have been to Syria on two occasions as part of delegations and had audiences with President Ass...; Tim Farron | 566 c1487 (Link to this contribution)
On that point, I agree that Assad is not a fool. Will he therefore sit up and take notice of the ...; Roger Godsiff | 566 c1487 (Link to this contribution)
As I have clearly said, I believe that Assad should be held accountable for his actions and shoul...; Bernard Jenkin | 566 c1487 (Link to this contribution)
The American intelligence services believe that Assad did this; the British intelligence services...; Roger Godsiff | 566 c1488 (Link to this contribution)
Let me answer the hon. Gentleman in this way. I said earlier that what happened over Iraq had poi...; Crispin Blunt | 566 c1488 (Link to this contribution)
We should reflect first on the awful responsibility of our leaders who find themselves as chief e...; Graham Stuart | 566 c1488 (Link to this contribution)
If our aim is to deter further use of chemical weapons and protect people, is my hon. Friend awar...; Crispin Blunt | 566 cc1489-1490 (Link to this contribution)
The difficulty is legality, which is why the Government have been dancing on the head of a pin, m...; Mark Hendrick | 566 c1490 (Link to this contribution)
Syria’s use of chemical weapons is either a huge mistake or, in my view, a calculated attempt to ...; Brooks Newmark | 566 c1490 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman is putting huge stock in the UN, but the UN will not apportion blame. The only...; Mark Hendrick | 566 cc1490-1 (Link to this contribution)
Yes, we do all know that, but it is a prerequisite of the due process, and the UN procedure, that...; Douglas Carswell | 566 cc1491-2 (Link to this contribution)
The House has been recalled not to sanction military strikes in Syria, but to deplore the use of ...; Bernard Jenkin | 566 c1492 (Link to this contribution)
Has my hon. Friend just demonstrated the shortcomings of this system of decision making and givin...; Douglas Carswell | 566 c1492 (Link to this contribution)
If the alternative to rushing into a conflict that may have significant implications is that we p...; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1492 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman says that the only thing envisaged is an aerial bombardment, but does he have ...; Douglas Carswell | 566 cc1492-3 (Link to this contribution)
That comes to my next point—no, I do not. I am deeply unconvinced about what missile strikes and ...; Dai Havard | 566 cc1493-4 (Link to this contribution)
A lot has been said already in this debate for those who come in at this late stage, but I agree ...; Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom | 566 c1494 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman is making a good point. Does he think that if a rogue commander under the Assa...; Dai Havard | 566 cc1494-5 (Link to this contribution)
I do not disagree. Those responsible should be punished, although I am not sure that sending TLAM...; Baroness Primarolo | 566 c1495 (Link to this contribution)
Order.
6.40 pm; John Baron | 566 c1495 (Link to this contribution)
I very much welcome the decision to delay the vote on whether we should take military action unti...; Bernard Jenkin | 566 c1495 (Link to this contribution)
The JIC concludes that it is highly probably that the Assad regime is responsible for the attack....; John Baron | 566 c1496 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend is attributing motives to me, which does not do him justice. The bottom line is th...; Martin Horwood | 566 c1496 (Link to this contribution)
I will try to save the hon. Member for Harwich and North Essex (Mr Jenkin) from saying for a sixt...; John Baron | 566 c1496 (Link to this contribution)
The JIC document states clearly that it cannot understand the “precise motivation”. The document ...; Bernard Jenkin | 566 c1496 (Link to this contribution)
And legal?; John Baron | 566 c1496 (Link to this contribution)
And legal.; Bernard Jenkin | 566 c1496 (Link to this contribution)
They are two different things.; John Baron | 566 cc1496-7 (Link to this contribution)
International law is terribly subjective—there are no hard and fast rules, but the best we have i...; David Lammy | 566 cc1497-8 (Link to this contribution)
A few days ago, I found myself rushing to switch off the television because my five and seven-yea...; Barry Sheerman | 566 c1498 (Link to this contribution)
My right hon. Friend, like me, is sickened by the number of times we have voted for war, sometime...; Baroness Primarolo | 566 c1498 (Link to this contribution)
Order. I know that hon. Members turn away because they think I might not stop them if their inter...; David Lammy | 566 cc1498-9 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman), who is precisely right...; Baroness Burt of Solihull | 566 c1499 (Link to this contribution)
Like many Members, I have deep reservations about the actions we are contemplating. I am therefor...; Baroness Coffey | 566 c1500 (Link to this contribution)
I appreciate the hon. Lady’s concerns, but I think she is debating something we are likely to dis...; Baroness Burt of Solihull | 566 c1500 (Link to this contribution)
I entirely agree. I am not suggesting that we take no action; I simply think that we must have in...; Damian Collins | 566 c1500 (Link to this contribution)
No one wants war, but does the hon. Lady agree that there is a war, whether we want it or not, an...; Baroness Burt of Solihull | 566 c1500 (Link to this contribution)
I am not suggesting that we do nothing, but in order to ensure that we act with maximum legitimac...; Baroness Hoey | 566 cc1500-1 (Link to this contribution)
I remember, 10 years ago, like many Members, sitting on the Government Benches listening to the w...; Bob Stewart | 566 c1501 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Lady give way?; Baroness Hoey | 566 c1501 (Link to this contribution)
No.
We have had information before that poison gas had been used and Carla Del Ponte, who w...; Brooks Newmark | 566 c1501 (Link to this contribution)
I have huge respect for the hon. Lady. To help her in her thinking, let me point out that Damascu...; Baroness Hoey | 566 c1501 (Link to this contribution)
I do not think that has been proved or that we have any proof that bombing will make things any b...; Jim McGovern | 566 c1502 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend mentioned that some of her constituents in the past were for and some against, but...; Baroness Hoey | 566 c1502 (Link to this contribution)
I have many suggestions and many Members have made suggestions. I do not think we have worked thr...; Brooks Newmark | 566 cc1502-3 (Link to this contribution)
I am delighted to follow the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey), for whom I have huge respect. ...; David Rutley | 566 c1503 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech based on his knowledge of the situation on the ground....; Brooks Newmark | 566 cc1503-4 (Link to this contribution)
That is a very good question, and I suspect that I know my hon. Friend’s direction of travel in a...; Bob Stewart | 566 c1504 (Link to this contribution)
I was an officer trained in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare, and one of the things that ...; Brooks Newmark | 566 c1504 (Link to this contribution)
I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for his thoughtful intervention.
Those opposing military...; Julian Huppert | 566 c1504 (Link to this contribution)
Will my hon. Friend give way?; Brooks Newmark | 566 c1504 (Link to this contribution)
No, I am afraid I cannot.
The result is that the UN is failing to live up to its mandate to...; Jeffrey M Donaldson | 566 cc1504-5 (Link to this contribution)
The Democratic Unionist party has never been found wanting when it has come to supporting militar...; Lord Dodds of Duncairn | 566 c1505 (Link to this contribution)
My right hon. Friend has set out clearly the potential impact of intervention across the region. ...; Jeffrey M Donaldson | 566 c1505 (Link to this contribution)
Indeed; that is one of the weaknesses in the Government’s motion that is causing us concern. The ...; Jim Shannon | 566 c1505 (Link to this contribution)
Further to that point, does my right hon. Friend recognise the implications for the ethnic minori...; Jeffrey M Donaldson | 566 cc1505-6 (Link to this contribution)
Indeed. Other right hon. and hon. Members have referred to the religious minorities in Syria and ...; Lord Harrington of Watford | 566 cc1506-7 (Link to this contribution)
Having listened to all the arguments today, read everything about this issue over the past couple...; Neil Parish | 566 c1507 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend is making a thoughtful speech. Does he agree that in this case, we are damned if w...; Lord Harrington of Watford | 566 c1507 (Link to this contribution)
I agree very much with my hon. Friend’s sentiments. Many decisions in politics, war, business and...; Robert Flello | 566 c1507 (Link to this contribution)
I am listening carefully to the hon. Gentleman’s contribution. He says that he would stop short o...; Lord Harrington of Watford | 566 cc1507-8 (Link to this contribution)
I remind the hon. Gentleman that when the western allies attacked Belgrade with Tomahawk missiles...; George Howarth | 566 cc1508-9 (Link to this contribution)
Like the hon. Member for Watford (Richard Harrington), I begin by citing an e-mail I received fro...; Fiona Mactaggart | 566 c1509 (Link to this contribution)
My right hon. Friend is talking about sharing information. I listened carefully to the Prime Mini...; George Howarth | 566 c1509 (Link to this contribution)
It would be a good thing if as much information as possible could be put before not only the Hous...; Robert Flello | 566 c1509 (Link to this contribution)
I am enjoying my right hon. Friend’s contribution; it is very good and sound. This is not a new i...; George Howarth | 566 cc1509-1510 (Link to this contribution)
That is the point I am making. I do not think that the machinery of the United Nations is able to...; Baroness Primarolo | 566 c1510 (Link to this contribution)
Order.
7.39 pm; Cheryl Gillan | 566 c1510 (Link to this contribution)
Before I came into the Chamber today I looked at the archway through which we walk and the broken...; Andrew Turner | 566 c1510 (Link to this contribution)
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the most dangerous aspect is the unintended consequences tha...; Cheryl Gillan | 566 c1511 (Link to this contribution)
Those fears have been reflected in many communications that have been made to my office over the ...; Tim Loughton | 566 c1511 (Link to this contribution)
I am listening to my right hon. Friend’s logic, and I absolutely agree with it. I have been to Sy...; Cheryl Gillan | 566 c1511 (Link to this contribution)
The situation is so complicated that I believe very few people in the House, if any, know the ful...; Jim Fitzpatrick | 566 cc1511-2 (Link to this contribution)
It is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan). She is ob...; Madeleine Moon | 566 c1512 (Link to this contribution)
Is my hon. Friend aware that the general secretary of the Arab League has tonight said on CNN tha...; Jim Fitzpatrick | 566 cc1512-3 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing that information to the House. It clearly demonstrat...; Craig Whittaker | 566 c1513 (Link to this contribution)
Paragraph (e) of the Opposition amendment refers to
“precise and achievable objectives desi...; Jim Fitzpatrick | 566 c1513 (Link to this contribution)
I have exactly the same difficulty as the hon. Gentleman—I do not know what they are either. I do...; Guy Opperman | 566 cc1513-4 (Link to this contribution)
I am a former human rights and criminal lawyer who has worked in this country and abroad, and I w...; Robert Buckland | 566 c1514 (Link to this contribution)
I am listening carefully to my hon. Friend’s analysis of the UN. The General Assembly is about to...; Guy Opperman | 566 c1514 (Link to this contribution)
I completely endorse that. In Kosovo in 1999 there were three broadly supported UN resolutions. A...; Bob Stewart | 566 c1514 (Link to this contribution)
I will make one point. I very carefully studied United Nations Security Council resolutions in 19...; Guy Opperman | 566 cc1514-5 (Link to this contribution)
With no disrespect to my hon. Friend—my honourable and respected military friend—I disagree. Subs...; Diane Abbott | 566 cc1515-6 (Link to this contribution)
I am glad to have this opportunity to take part in this important debate. It seems that tonight P...; 566 c1516 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; John Bercow | 566 c1516 (Link to this contribution)
Order. I am afraid that in the past hour and a half there have been only 11 Back-Bench contributi...; Ben Gummer | 566 cc1516-7 (Link to this contribution)
Bashar al-Assad is a very lucky man. Were we having this debate in 2002, following an attack on 2...; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1517 (Link to this contribution)
If the rebels were found to have used chemical weapons, would we feel it was fine for the Russian...; Ben Gummer | 566 c1517 (Link to this contribution)
One of the problems of this debate has been the number of counter-factuals; the Prime Minister ha...; Meg Munn | 566 cc1517-8 (Link to this contribution)
The situation in Syria and the surrounding area is catastrophic—at least 100,000 people have been...; Michael Ellis | 566 c1518 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Lady is making a powerful point eloquently. Does she agree that although we have heard a...; Meg Munn | 566 cc1518-9 (Link to this contribution)
There are clearly risks in not taking action; for more than two years we have not taken action. W...; Andrew George | 566 c1519 (Link to this contribution)
I know that the Prime Minister would have preferred us to be debating a motion that provided the ...; David Ward | 566 c1519 (Link to this contribution)
So many speakers seem to have offered the choice between military action or doing nothing, but I ...; Andrew George | 566 c1520 (Link to this contribution)
I entirely agree with my hon. Friend about that. I say that instead of bombing them with bombs, l...; Clive Efford | 566 cc1520-1 (Link to this contribution)
When the Prime Minister performed his U-turn yesterday on taking action this weekend, I wondered ...; Edward Leigh | 566 c1521 (Link to this contribution)
This has been a great two days for Parliament; I think we have won. This time yesterday morning, ...; Richard Drax | 566 c1521 (Link to this contribution)
If we were to punish—that is the word that springs to mind—every appalling regime by dropping mis...; Edward Leigh | 566 cc1521-2 (Link to this contribution)
Absolutely. Although we have spoken with great moral certitude in this debate, the fact is that o...; Gerald Howarth | 566 c1522 (Link to this contribution)
I am listening carefully to what my hon. Friend is saying and he is making some very powerful poi...; Edward Leigh | 566 c1522 (Link to this contribution)
Absolutely. We have heard very little about what is happening on the ground in Syria. How many of...; Pat McFadden | 566 cc1522-3 (Link to this contribution)
This debate inevitably takes place in the shadow of the decision taken in the House a decade ago ...; Robert Flello | 566 c1523 (Link to this contribution)
For many in this Chamber such as me, it is not about not taking action; it is about what that act...; Pat McFadden | 566 c1523 (Link to this contribution)
I understand the fears expressed by my hon. Friend, but for the reasons I have set out, I believe...; Naomi Long | 566 c1523 (Link to this contribution)
I agree with the hon. Gentleman’s last statement, but the issue of consistency is important. The ...; Pat McFadden | 566 cc1523-4 (Link to this contribution)
The use of the fact that we have not acted in the past where perhaps we should have done as an ar...; Bob Blackman | 566 c1524 (Link to this contribution)
I have listened carefully to the debate all afternoon, and for me there are two occasions where m...; Michael Meacher | 566 cc1524-5 (Link to this contribution)
We are asked by the Government tonight to approve a so-called strong humanitarian response, with ...; Peter Bone | 566 cc1525-6 (Link to this contribution)
It is a great pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton (Mr Meacher). H...; Andrew Miller | 566 c1526 (Link to this contribution)
I shall be brief. My principal question to pose to the Treasury Bench is, what happens next if As...; Jim Cunningham | 566 c1527 (Link to this contribution)
I am sure my hon. Friend has noticed in this debate that no thought has been given by the Prime M...; Andrew Miller | 566 c1527 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend is quite right. I am sure that those discussions are happening in private, but the...; Gerald Howarth | 566 cc1527-8 (Link to this contribution)
Our long debate today has served two valuable purposes. First, it has served to underline the hug...; Andy McDonald | 566 c1528 (Link to this contribution)
Can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile the two statements—that one can be involved in military ac...; Gerald Howarth | 566 c1528 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman makes an entirely valid point. That is a question that, as parliamentarians, w...; Mike Gapes | 566 cc1528-9 (Link to this contribution)
The options in Syria have never been easy or risk free, and today all options are bad ones. The r...; Lady Hermon | 566 c1529 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman is extremely knowledgeable about Syria and I am extremely concerned about the ...; Mike Gapes | 566 c1529 (Link to this contribution)
If military action is simply based on the kind of inadequate gesture politics that we seem to hav...; Richard Shepherd | 566 cc1529-1530 (Link to this contribution)
I want to explain why I cannot support the motion. The House is predicated on procedure and rules...; Hugh Bayley | 566 c1530 (Link to this contribution)
The fundamental judgment that we all must make this evening and over the next week or two, as ind...; Mark Lazarowicz | 566 c1530 (Link to this contribution)
Would it not have been so much better if the frenetic activity of the past few days to try to bui...; Hugh Bayley | 566 c1531 (Link to this contribution)
Yes. I do not rule out the possibility that in future circumstances might be such that I support ...; Julian Brazier | 566 cc1531-2 (Link to this contribution)
In 1990, the brutal regime of President Assad senior ruled three quarters of Lebanon. I was on a ...; Mark Durkan | 566 c1532 (Link to this contribution)
“Full stop, end of story.” Those five glib words were the best assurance that the Prime Minister ...; Naomi Long | 566 c1532 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Gentleman agree that part of the problem is that the legal justification is the hum...; Mark Durkan | 566 cc1532-3 (Link to this contribution)
I thank my hon. colleague for that point. Those of us who have concerns about the Government’s po...; Nadhim Zahawi | 566 c1533 (Link to this contribution)
The choice between head in the sand and boots on the ground has always, to my mind, been a false ...; Bob Stewart | 566 c1533 (Link to this contribution)
Whatever we do, we must be quite precise about it. People talk about an exit strategy, but I have...; Nadhim Zahawi | 566 c1533 (Link to this contribution)
That is right. Any intervention by Britain must have a clear objective and defined limits, and ou...; Michael Ellis | 566 c1534 (Link to this contribution)
Is my hon. Friend also concerned about those who focus on the United Nations Security Council hav...; Nadhim Zahawi | 566 c1534 (Link to this contribution)
That is right; my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) has also made that point very ...; David Anderson | 566 c1534 (Link to this contribution)
I have spent a lot of time this summer working with a veterans group in Tyneside called Forward A...; Paul Farrelly | 566 c1535 (Link to this contribution)
Does my hon. Friend agree with the many Members who have expressed concerns about the apparent ti...; David Anderson | 566 c1535 (Link to this contribution)
It is clear that we are being driven by a timetable that has no basis in anything other than appe...; Sarah Wollaston | 566 c1535 (Link to this contribution)
Parliament has done its job today: it has applied the brakes to a headlong rush into unilateral w...; Mark Pawsey | 566 c1536 (Link to this contribution)
Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the reasons why many of our constituents are so opposed to ...; Sarah Wollaston | 566 c1536 (Link to this contribution)
The point is that agreeing to the legality of military action inevitably sucks us closer to the c...; Richard Bacon | 566 c1536 (Link to this contribution)
Will my hon. Friend give way?; Sarah Wollaston | 566 c1536 (Link to this contribution)
I will not at this stage.
The Arab League has supported the principle of UN-backed interven...; Paul Flynn | 566 cc1536-7 (Link to this contribution)
These debates are carried on in a spirit that is not real. What we should be asking ourselves is ...; Lord Garnier | 566 cc1537-8 (Link to this contribution)
May I begin by commenting on the analysis of my hon. Friends the Members for New Forest East (Dr ...; Robert Halfon | 566 c1538 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. and learned Friend says that we are in a hurry, but we have taken more than two and a hal...; Lord Garnier | 566 c1538 (Link to this contribution)
I said that we were in a short-term hurry, albeit that it has taken us a long time to get here.; John Bercow | 566 c1538 (Link to this contribution)
Order.
9.28 pm; Madeleine Moon | 566 cc1538-9 (Link to this contribution)
There are 196 recognised world nations, 165 of which have formally signed the convention on the u...; Douglas Alexander | 566 cc1539-1541 (Link to this contribution)
I thank right hon. and hon. Members for their contributions to the debate. The speeches have genu...; Guy Opperman | 566 c1541 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Douglas Alexander | 566 cc1541-2 (Link to this contribution)
I am keen to make a little progress.
Let us be candid as to why we are gathered here this e...; Nick Clegg | 566 c1542 (Link to this contribution)
What we have seen today is this House at its very best. I have sat here throughout almost all the...; Angus Brendan MacNeil | 566 c1542 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Nick Clegg | 566 c1542 (Link to this contribution)
Let me just make some progress. Others, including my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for...; 566 c1542 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Nick Clegg | 566 cc1542-3 (Link to this contribution)
If I may, I will make a little progress.
President Obama’s intentions are highly limited an...; Andrew Gwynne | 566 c1543 (Link to this contribution)
It is being reported that No. 10 Downing street is briefing the media that the position of my rig...; Nick Clegg | 566 cc1543-4 (Link to this contribution)
I wholeheartedly agree with—I know the Prime Minister does, too, as we all do—recognise, understa...; Phillip Lee | 566 c1544 (Link to this contribution)
I seek clarification regarding the reference in the penultimate paragraph of the motion to “direc...; Nick Clegg | 566 c1544 (Link to this contribution)
Direct action would mean the UK taking part in any strikes designed in an American-led military o...; Cheryl Gillan | 566 c1544 (Link to this contribution)
The Deputy Prime Minister knows of the concerns that there is an incongruity in the way in which ...; Nick Clegg | 566 c1544 (Link to this contribution)
I can be unequivocal and unambiguous; yes. The motion is very clear on this point. There will be ...; John Bercow | 566 c1544 (Link to this contribution)
Order. There is a rather disorderly atmosphere now in the House. I want to hear the Deputy Prime ...; Nick Clegg | 566 c1544 (Link to this contribution)
On the issue of legitimacy, as the motion stipulates, we are of course committed to a proper UN p...; Barry Gardiner | 566 c1544 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that any indirect action will not be undertaken by the Gov...; Nick Clegg | 566 cc1544-5 (Link to this contribution)
The only decision that we envisage needing to be taken is about direct military action in an Amer...; Hugh Bayley | 566 c1545 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Deputy Prime Minister give way?; Nick Clegg | 566 c1545 (Link to this contribution)
I would like to make some progress.
Before I conclude, I think that it is important that we...; Crispin Blunt | 566 c1545 (Link to this contribution)
The difficulty with this part of the Deputy Prime Minister’s argument is that we have seen in the...; Nick Clegg | 566 c1545 (Link to this contribution)
As we have been explicit throughout and as the Prime Minister said at the outset earlier this aft...; Helen Jones | 566 c1545 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to the Deputy Prime Minister, but he still has not answered the questions that have...; Nick Clegg | 566 c1545 (Link to this contribution)
We have not been presented with any scenario—[Interruption.] With respect, the coalition Governme...; 566 c1546 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Nick Clegg | 566 c1546 (Link to this contribution)
I would now like to make progress and conclude.
This is not Iraq. Yes, we must learn the le...; Adam Holloway | 566 c1546 (Link to this contribution)
Am I alone in feeling a sense of unreality that we in here seem to be talking about intervening i...; Nick Clegg | 566 c1546 (Link to this contribution)
As I said earlier, what we are talking about is simply seeking to find the best way to deter the ...; Anas Sarwar | 566 c1546 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Nick Clegg | 566 cc1546-7 (Link to this contribution)
I would like now to conclude.
The Government agree that the UN weapons inspectors should co...; John Bercow | 566 c1547 (Link to this contribution)
Order. Mr MacNeil, you are like an erupting volcano. Calm yourself, man!
10.31 pm; Ed Miliband | 566 c1547 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. There having been no motion passed by this House tonight, will t...; John Bercow | 566 c1547 (Link to this contribution)
That is of course not a matter for the Chair, but the Prime Minister has heard the right hon. Gen...; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton | 566 c1547 (Link to this contribution)
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I can give that assurance. Let me say that the House ...; John Bercow | 566 c1556 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to the Prime Minister for that response.; Robert Flello | 566 c1556 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I do not wish to detain the House for long, but I wish to raise ...; John Bercow | 566 c1556 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. I have received no indication of any ...
Subjects: Chemical weapons Crimes against humanity Inspections International cooperation Legal opinion International law Politics and government Refugees Weapons War crimes USA Syria Military intervention UN Security Council Joint Intelligence Committee Responsibility to protect
Link: View this Parliamentary proceeding on www.publications.parliament.uk

Syria and the Use of Chemical Weapons

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