MP Angela: I will vote against bombing Syria

Angela Rayner

MP for Failsworth Angela Rayner says she will vote against bombing Syria in the forthcoming and controversial Commons vote.

“We must stop short of putting British troops in harm’s way in a land where we do not belong and where we cannot be part of the long-term solution,” she explained.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to support military action in Syria if I believed it would help save lives in Britain and make our world a safer place. But I am not convinced. I do not see how more bombing of Syria is going to make our streets safer.

“All the military experts agree that ISIL will only be defeated by troops on the ground in Syria. The British public has no appetite for a ground war; nor does any of our Western allies.

“We must step up our efforts to support local forces with intelligence, monitoring and surveillance.

“But Iraq has taught us that we must stop short of putting British troops in harm’s way in a land where we do not belong and where we cannot be part of the long-term solution.

“By joining the bombing campaign, we would only be adding to the awful loss of innocent human lives.”

The vote is due to take place at 10pm today after a 10-hour Commons debate.