Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski calls for caution over action in Syria crisis

Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski has urged caution over the growing prospect of British military intervention in the Syrian conflict.

Published

The Conservative politician said he welcomed tomorrow's recall of Parliament to discuss the issue, with Prime Minister David Cameron insisting yesterday that no decision about British involvement had been made.

He said any action would have to be legal, proportionate and a deterrent to the future use of chemical weapons.

But Mr Cameron added the question for Britain is whether failing to act would lead to more use of chemical weapons in Syria and elsewhere in future.

Mr Kawczynski said: "I'm very pleased the recall has happened. It is essential for Parliament to voice the views of people across the country and for the Prime Minister to be made aware of the extreme caution, from my perspective, from Shrewsbury residents about proposed military action.

"People are very upset with the images from television of children suffering in the conflict. But people are very torn about the prospect of Britain being involved again in an overseas conflict."

He said the wording of the motion would be "very important" and he would be attempting to find out today how it will read. He added: "The Prime Minister has said he wants to listen to Parliament and its views. There will be an awful lot of MPs who will be relaying to him the concerns of the electorate."

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne and Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard are both cutting short family holidays to return to London for tomorrow's debate.

Mr Cameron said yesterday: "Decisions have not been taken, but we shouldn't stand by when we see this massive use of chemical weapons and appalling levels of suffering."

He added: "What we have seen in Syria are appalling scenes of death and suffering because of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.

"I don't believe we can let that stand."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.