Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, has spoken out against the Prime Minister’s decision to launch airstrikes in Syria.
The SNP MP, who is a Member of the Commons Defence Select Committee, said it was wrong for Theresa May to commit British forces to an escalation of military action without first getting a mandate from parliament or demonstrating a clear plan for delivering peace and security in the region.
The comments come ahead of the Prime Minister’s statement to parliament on Monday, when the UK government is expected to face criticism from MPs for committing British military support to US-led airstrikes in Syria without parliamentary approval.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“The importance of peace and stability in Syria is clear – but we must ask the question of whether dropping more bombs is really the best way to achieve that.
“I’ve been contacted by many constituents from across West Dunbartonshire about the situation in Syria. The vast majority of people I’ve heard from are deeply concerned about escalating tensions and the consequences of the UK rushing to join Donald Trump’s latest military action.
“The Assad regime is guilty of appalling cruelty – but any UK military action in response must be determined by parliament, not by the US President.
“It’s contemptible that Theresa May has joined these US-led airstrikes without first getting a mandate from parliament or demonstrating a clear plan for delivering peace and stability.
“The Prime Minister must now commit to ensuring that any further escalation in UK military involvement in Syria is subject to proper parliamentary oversight and approval.”
