John Baron MP highlights Foreign Affairs Committee’s resolution

MP tables cross-party amendment against military action

The Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) issued a report on British air strikes in Syria at the beginning of November, setting out members’ concerns about the nature and extent of the mission, and with the Government’s overall strategy. The Prime Minister himself responded to the Committee’s report directly in the House of Commons last Thursday, giving more detail as to the Government’s case. However, this afternoon the Foreign Affairs Select Committee resolved that the Prime Minister has not adequately addressed the concerns contained in the report of 3rd November.

John said,

“The Prime Minister’s response, though welcome, nevertheless insufficiently answered the concerns raised in the FAC’s report, and I am glad the Committee has put this on record ahead of the debate and vote tomorrow.”

“I remain unconvinced by the Government’s case and, absent a realistic long-term strategy to defeat Daesh, will be opposing military action, and encouraging MPs to vote for our cross-party amendment.”

Ends
Word Count: 169
Date: 1st December 2015

Notes to Editors:

• The FAC’s November report is online at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmselect/cmfaff/457/457.pdf.
• The minutes of today’s meeting of the FAC are online at: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/foreign-affairs/Formal-Minutes-2015-16.pdf – see p. 13.
• John and others have tabled an amendment opposing air strikes, which reads as follows: ‘while welcoming the renewed impetus towards peace and reconstruction in Syria, and the Government’s recognition that a comprehensive strategy against Daesh is required, does not believe that the case for the UK’s participation in the ongoing air campaign in Syria by 10 countries has been made under current circumstances, and consequently declines to authorise military action in Syria’.