Thursday, November 26, 2015

CAMERON SETS OUT SYRIA STRATEGY

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has set out his case in Parliament for British air strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria.

At present the UK is only involved in military operations over Iraq.

David Cameron says there has to be a 'comprehensive strategy' for tackling IS which takes in diplomatic, economic and humanitarian issues as well as an extension of air strikes.

And he insists it's in Britain's national interest to act in Syria.

Olly Barratt reports from London.

IN: "Air strikes…
OUT: SOC
DUR: 1.57 secs 



Air Strikes on IS positions in Syria… continue to be carried out by British allies, but not yet by Britain…

David Cameron believes that should change.

TAKE DAVID CAMERON, UK PRIME MINISTER

"Wwe do face a fundamental threat to our security. We can't wait for a political transition, we have to hit these terrorists in their heartlands right now. And we must not shirk our responsibility for security or hand it to others. Mr Speaker throughout our history the United Kingdom has stood up to defend our values and our way of life. We can and we must do so again"
TAKE CAMERON DEFENCE BROLL

And he makes his case having just this week announced an multi-billion dollar boost to defence spending in the wake of the Paris attacks, and the ongoing fight against IS.

A fight which British allies are involved in, in Syria.

INDERJEET PARMAR, PROFESSOR IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS, CITY UNIVERSITY says a change of stance from the UK will be welcomed.

"There's a desire from others that Britain be more involved, it spreads the risk, it increases the amount of military firepower available, increases the legitimacy of it"

Opposition Labour MP Dan Jarvis says he is prepared to support air strikes as part of a wider strategy, and believes the British public are similarly minded.

IN: "I have…
OUT: …involvement."
DUR: 31 seconds


The government says it won't  hold a vote on air strikes in Syria until it is confident it has the majority here at parliament.

That could take place though, as early as next week.