Corbyn offers MPs free vote on Syria airstrikes
The Labour Party has confirmed that it will offer its MPs a free vote on the Tory government’s proposal for UK airstrikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria.
The controversial decision to extend military operations against ISIL from Iraq to Syria came at a shadow cabinet meeting.
The party's leader Jeremy Corbyn and most of its members are opposed to bombing.
They believe airstrikes in Syria could deteriorate the situation and increase support for ISIL.
However, some Labour lawmakers want to back Prime Minister David Cameron's call for more bombing.
Corbyn has requested a two-day debate on the issue in the House of Commons.
In his letter to Cameron, Corbyn has asked for more details of the planned airstrikes.
“As of this morning, we have not had a clear proposal from the government on when you plan to bring forward a motion to the house on airstrikes in Syria or on arrangements for the debate…In the view of the opposition on a matter of such critical importance there must be full and adequate time for any debate in the house and only a full two-day debate would ensure time for all members who wish to participate to be able to do so,” Corbyn wrote to Cameron.
The decision is seen as a last-ditch effort by Corbyn aimed at averting the threat of a mass shadow cabinet walkout.
The Labour Party has already announced that the official party line will be a "strong anti-bombing" position, which is backed by the membership.
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