Prime Minister David Cameron came dangerously close a revolt in parliament when he called all those who opposed air strikes on Syria as being apologists for terrorists. It was a stupid thing to say and could have turned parliament against him. He should have apologised because there are important reasons why Britain should not get involved in air strikes on Syria. Luckily for Cameron he had an unlikely ally in Hilary Benn, the Shadow Foreign Secretary. His speech, backing the government on air strikes, underlined the fact that he has clear Labour leadership credentials, and he is an asset to his party. I suspect that Benn’s intervention helped persuade many Labour MPs to vote with the government. Perhaps more opposition Members of Parliament would have supported air strikes if Cameron hadn’t made such a stupid comment. I would say that Labour was the clear winner in the parliamentary debate on air strikes. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn gave members a free vote and this was democracy at work. Labour MPs were not under pressure to back Corbyn because even members of the Shadow Cabinet (Benn included) sided with Cameron. I think we saw an exercise in parliamentary democracy at its best. Perhaps there is a place for Corbyn-style politics in Britain. But if the Labour leader does find that he can’t handle the pressure I know who I would want to follow him. Hilary Benn is a rising star and Labour should take note.
Benn 1 Cameron 0
03/12/2015 00:00
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At the risk of being vilified,I have to say that I do not support bombing Syria because from World War Two onwards,bombing has only strengthened the resolve and desire of those being bombed to strike back and without a shadow of doubt innocent men,women and children will be killed and maimed,this will only increase the hate for those doing the bombing. I was a senior soldier and have seen my share of active service from the sharp-end but this is one decision I would not like to have on my hands. Inevitably sooner or later,soldiers will have to go in on the ground and that will be bloody,it always is ,