Friday 30th August 2013
Dear Friends
Thank you for so many of you for taking an interest in the way I voted in the House of Commons on the issue of Syria.
I thought it might be helpful for me to explain my position in detail.
The debate in the House of Commons has highlighted the complexity of this issue. Her Majesty’s Government has consistently stated that it has three objectives in Syria: ...to promote a political solution that ends the conflict; to help save lives by doubling humanitarian aid and providing non-lethal support to the opposition; and to protect the national security of the United Kingdom from extremism and terrorism.
I fully support the government in these objectives.
When it comes to the question of any future involvement in terms of arming the opposition or intervening militarily ourselves, I feel that there is not currently a case for such intervention. I do not feel that a substantive case was made for such action and I have yet to hear evidence which would convince me otherwise.
I met personally with the Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. David Cameron M.P. at No. 10 Downing Street on Wednesday evening to express my concerns about the extent to which the United Kingdom should become involved in what is clearly a civil war within Syria.
I told the Prime Minister that I felt military intervention would not only put British servicemen and women at risk, but could lead to a prolonged regional war which would harm the possibility of a peace process. Furthermore, I explained my concerns over Islamist factions within the rebel movement. As things stand at the moment, I do not believe it would be wise to support one side over another until we are sure that we will not be helping to change one bad regime with another.
On the specific issue of chemical weapons use in Syria, this is obviously deplorable. However many questions remain unanswered and I welcome the forthcoming U.N. Chemical Inspectors report which will undoubtedly give a clearer picture surrounding the circumstances of the attack.
There is no doubt that those who committed this heinous act should be held account for their crime against humanity; I will certainly be supporting the government and the international community in taking decisive and robust action against the perpetrators.
With the above in mind, at the vote on Thursday evening, I decided did not support the government. I abstained on the motion put forward by the Prime Minister and voted against the amendment tabled by the Leader of the Opposition. I believe it is premature for all the reasons I have explained to commit our own British Armed Forces to taking part in this civil war.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely and always take into account the views of my constituents such as yourself.
I am most grateful to you for taking an interest in this important issue.
With best wishes.
Andrew Rosindell M.P.