Lichfield’s MP has warned that failure to take action in Syria is letting down victims of the conflict and “boosting the morale” of Islamic State fighters.
Michael Fabricant’s comments came in a House of Commons debate on national security and defence yesterday (November 23).
The Government has so far said it would not hold another Parliamentary ballot on joining other countries in carrying out air strikes until it could be certain of winning the vote.
But Mr Fabricant warned delays would have an impact on the ground.
“Of course members of Parliament on both sides of the House have concerns about action in Syria,” he said.
“Does the Prime Minister agree that, every day we delay action in Syria, it not only lets down our allies and the Syrian people but has the added effect of heaping confidence on, and boosting the morale of, ISIL fighters?”
David Cameron insisted that it was important that politicians made the right decision following a report from the Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday.
“We do not want to let down our allies,” he said. “We also should not allow dangerous terrorist organisations to build their strength by not intervening against them.
“But, to be clear, I do not wish to bounce the House into a decision.
“Members of Parliament will be able to take it [the Foreign Affairs Committee report to be issued on Thursday] away and consider it over the weekend. We can then have a full day’s debate, proper consideration and a vote.
“That is a proper process.
“I want this House to take the decision deliberately, but we should not take too long over it, because every day that we spend is a day that we are not getting to grips with the ISIL menace.”
