MPs on Syria airstrikes, November-December 2015

This is a very rough and ready attempt to look at what public evidence exists as to the balance of opinion in Parliament on the Government's proposal for airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, ahead of a likely vote in November 2014. It is mostly based on public statements, although it also uses some unattributed reports, such as those of shadow cabinet meetings. Given the considered statements coming from MPs, its sometimes a fine judgement whether or not MPs are leaning one way of the other, and many are likely to take no position until a vote. The relevant evidence used for each MP is included in references below and covers the period predating the start of the Commons debate on 2 December.
==MPs leaning towards airstrikes==
===Conservative Party===
Most of the Conservative party's 330 MPs are expected to support the Prime Minister's call for airstrikes.Syria bombing: Where UK parties stand, BBC News, 26 November 2015.
*Edward Argar - 'just as actions have consequences, so does inaction'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015. 
*Andrew Bingham - 'I will support the motion when it is put to the House.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015. 
*Crispin Blunt - 'the United Kingdom should play a full role in the coalition.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Andrew Bridgen - Will support the Government - BBC.Syria bombing: Where UK parties stand, BBC News, 26 November 2015.
*David Cameron - 'The reason for acting is the very direct threat that ISIL poses to our country and to our way of life.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*James Cartlidge - 'Does the Prime Minister agree that the only practicable way for us to hold the leadership of ISIL to account for these crimes against humanity is to engage in the type of military action that he is proposing?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Christopher Chope - ' I support an ISIL-first strategy, but can my right hon. Friend explain how we will succeed with that strategy if it is not shared by Turkey, which seems to be more interested in bombing Kurds than in bombing ISIL?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Kenneth Clarke - 'The Prime Minister has made a compelling case for playing a proper part'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*David T.C. Davies - 'This time we have a much clearer strategy'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Philip Davies - 'I am prepared to support the Prime Minister in military action against Islamic State, which poses a severe and direct threat to us, but not against Assad, who does not.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Nadine Dorries - 'If the attack, God forbid, had happened in London and not in Paris, I believe that today the British people would be outraged, dismayed and upset that our allies did not have our back'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Nigel Evans - 'I will support any motion that he brings forward to take action against ISIS in Syria'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Michael Fallon - 'Mr Fallon told the BBC it was dangerous not to try to defeat IS with force' - BBCTom Moseley and Matthew Davis, Syria air strikes: Key political debate, BBC News, 29 November 2015.
*Liam Fox - 'The question is whether we confront them over there or, increasingly, take the risk of having to confront them over here.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Lucy Frazer - 'If each of our allies independently said, “Well, others are involved and therefore we don’t need to get involved”, how would we ever defeat ISIS?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Cheryl Gillan - 'there can be no doubt that we would bring a specific military capability'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*John Glen - 'I welcome today’s comprehensive analysis and clear plan, and I support the Prime Minister'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*James Gray - '[The Prime Minister has] 'led opinion in the House and throughout the country to favour taking the right move, which is striking against ISIS wherever it may be.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Philip Hammond - 'it feels to me as though we are building a consensus now for military action in Syria' - Reuters.Britain building consensus for military action in Syria - Hammond, Reuters, 26 November 2008.
*Gerald Howarth - 'It makes no sense to stop at the Iraqi border today.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Bernard Jenkin - ' I commend my right hon. Friend’s approach as set out in his statement, particularly that he is working with our allies.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*David Jones - 'Ths country should plays its part in helping to defeat [ISIL].'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Jeremy Lefroy - 'I thank the Prime Minister for his considered statement, which I very much support.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Stephen Metcalfe - 'May I offer my right hon. Friend my complete support for the approach that he is taking?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Andrew Mitchell - Is this not the way in which we discharge our responsibility to protect innocent civilians, both here in the United Kingdom and in Syria?Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Penny Mordaunt - Retweeted 'Why we must take action against ISIL in Syria as part of a wider strategy' by David Cameron.David Cameron, Twitter, 26 November 2015. 
*James Morris - ' The Prime Minister is absolutely right to say that ISIL/Daesh needs to be taken on in its physical territory in northern Iraq and Syria.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Andrew Percy - 'I voted against action last time, but I am increasingly likely to support action this time, as long as it is against ISIS and does not involve ground troops.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Stephen Phillips - 'My right hon. Friend has made a reasoned and principled case for why we must act in Syria'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Rebecca Pow - 'Will the Prime Minister confirm that he will push ahead with the measures to defeat this ideology and include a plan to care for Syrians who genuinely have to flee and eventually return'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Alec Shelbrooke - 'fully support military intervention. I go further and say of there's a need for ground troops we should supply them.Kate Proctor, Conservative MP among first in Yorkshire to publicly back air strikes on Isil, Yorkshire Post, 27 November 2015.
*Amanda Solloway - 'I welcome the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with our two closest military allies, France and the USA'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Bob Stewart - ' I ask that we bring that highly potent gesture to a vote of this House as soon as next week.'Syria, "Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Tom Tugendhat - 'They are a vile, satanic death cult and they must be stopped.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Charles Walker - Will support the Government - BBC.Syria bombing: Where UK parties stand, BBC News, 26 November 2015.
*Robin Walker - 'The Prime Minister has made a compelling case and set out a comprehensive strategy, one of the most compelling elements of which was how Britain’s precision capabilities can save civilian lives.'Syria, "Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Helen Whately - 'Is now not the time to step up our commitment and take the fight to their stronghold in Syria?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Sarah Wollaston - 'The Prime Minister has made a compelling and considered case today.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
===Labour Party===
A majority of the shadow cabinet and many others among the 231 Labour MPs are said to support airstrikes despite the opposition of the Labour leader.
*Heidi Alexander - 'argued for intervention' - New Statesman.George Eaton, Majority of shadow cabinet back air strikes in Syria but Labour position undecided, New Statesman, 26 November 2015.
*Hilary Benn - 'leaning in favour of military action' - Guardian.Rowena Mason, Jeremy Corbyn seeks grassroots Labour support for stance against bombing Syria, Guardian, 27 November 2015.
*Chris Bryant - "It would be on my conscience" if there was another IS attack and I voted against Syria strikes says @RhonddaBryant' - BBC.Dailysundaypolitics, Twitter, 30 November 2015.
*Vernon Coaker - 'argued for intervention' - New Statesman.George Eaton, Majority of shadow cabinet back air strikes in Syria but Labour position undecided, New Statesman, 26 November 2015.
*Ann Coffey - 'said she would be backing airstrikes, adding that she would be ‘giving herself a free vote’ even if Labour whips told her to oppose the move - Manchester Evening News.Jennifer Williams, Greater Manchester MPs not yet convinced about launching airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, Manchester Evening News, 27 November 2015.
*Mary Creagh - 'RAF planes are attacking its fighters in Iraq but are turning back at the border with Syria, a border which is meaningless to Isis/Daesh. This weakens our fight against Isis/Daesh’s terrorism.'Mary Creagh, The longer we leave defeating Isis, the harder it will be, Progress Online, 19 November 2015.
*Simon Danczuk - 'Labour MP @SimonDanczuk WILL vote for military action. Argues it's up to the shadow cabinet to decide and not @JeremyCorbyn alone' - Sky.Darren McCaffrey, Twitter, 29 November 2015.
*Michael Dugher - 'spoke up on Thursday in support of military action' - Guardian.Rowena Mason, Jeremy Corbyn seeks grassroots Labour support for stance against bombing Syria, Guardian, 27 November 2015.
*Angela Eagle - 'argued for intervention' - New Statesman.George Eaton, Majority of shadow cabinet back air strikes in Syria but Labour position undecided, New Statesman, 26 November 2015.
*Maria Eagle - 'After careful consideration, I will vote in favour of extending UK military action into Syria.''Labour has a duty to back military action', Mirror', 1 December 2015.
*Jim Fitzpatrick - 'Labour's @FitzMP explains why he is "inclined" to support the government on Syria' - Sunday Politics.DailySunday Politics, Twitter, 29 November 2015.
*Caroline Flint - ' told the Sunday Politics she believes there can be a case for British military intervention in Syria' - BBC.Caroline Flint: We should look at military action, BBC, 22 November 2015.
*Mike Gapes - 'said he is prepared to rebel against the party leadership over UK air strikes in Syria'. BBC.Labour MP Gapes says he will rebel on Syria vote, BBC, 19 November 2015.
*Kate Hoey - ' The agenda is to help others, including our allies, to degrade, deflate and ultimately destroy ISIL'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015. 
*Dan Jarvis - ' If the prime minister can show he has a wider strategy to do that, he will have my support.'Dan Jarvis, My five tests for backing military action in Syria, The Guardian, 23 November 2015.
*Liz Kendall - Told BBC 'I would support it' given commitments on reconstruction etc.Labour's @leicesterliz is asked whether she will back Syria air strikes in a Commons vote, BBC This Week, Twitter, 20 November 2015.
*Peter Kyle - 'If the Prime Minister and the International Development Secretary can reassure us [on reconstruction], he will be able to count on my support.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Chris Leslie - 'What would it say about our judgment if we failed to take heed of the appeal from the United Nations?.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Khalid Mahmood - 'Khalid Mahmood made a strong case at #PLP for air strikes in Syria' - BBC.Iain Watson, Twitter, 30 November 2015.
*Lucy Powell - 'spoke up on Thursday in support of military action' - Guardian.Rowena Mason, Jeremy Corbyn seeks grassroots Labour support for stance against bombing Syria, Guardian, 27 November 2015.
*Angela Smith - 'very strongly minded to vote in favour of military engagement in Syria.The World at One, Twitter, 30 November 2015.
*Chuka Umunna - 'on the issue I’m clear, our national security is threatened by ISIL, of that there is no doubt.'Murnaghan Interview with Chuka Umunna, MP, former Shadow Business Secretary, Sky, 29 November 2015.
*Tom Watson - 'leaning in favour of military action' - Guardian.Rowena Mason, Jeremy Corbyn seeks grassroots Labour support for stance against bombing Syria, Guardian, 27 November 2015.
*John Woodcock - "This new attack should prompt the government and all political parties to look afresh at the case for extending the air campaign".Allan Tunningley, HAVE YOUR SAY: Should the UK extend its air campaign to bomb ISIS targets in Syria?, Westmorland Gazette, 19 November 2015.
===DUP===
The DUP's 8 MPs are expected to vote for airstrikes.Liam Clarke, 'DUP set to back airstrikes in Syria after David Cameron insists Isis is the only target, Belfast Telegraph, 27 November 2015.
*Nigel Dodds - 'If it protects our people, here and abroad, we must act'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
===Liberal Democrats===
The Liberal Democrats, with eight MPs are now expected to support the Government.
*Tim Farron - co-signed letter setting out five tests for action.Caron Lindsay, Farron’s five tests to secure Lib Dem support for UK action in Syria, LibDemVoice, 24 November 2015.
*Nick Clegg - co-signed letter setting out five tests for action.Caron Lindsay, Farron’s five tests to secure Lib Dem support for UK action in Syria, LibDemVoice, 24 November 2015.
==MPs leaning against airstrikes==
===Conservative Party===
*John Baron - 'I will oppose this military action in the forthcoming parliamentary vote.'Cameron is long on emotion - and short on strategy: Tory MP John Baron ignores PM to vote NO to strikes, Mail on Sunday, 29 November 2015.
*David Davis - 'David Cameron made a characteristically fluent case on Thursday. But he did not actually answer the two critical questions that must precede any decision by Britain to initiate hostilities within Syria'.David Davis, Should parliament endorse UK air strikes in Syria?, Guardian, 29 November 2015.
*Edward Leigh - 'I told the PM today we haven't forgotten Iraq 2003 & to properly destroy ISIL we must cooperate with Russia & Assad.'[https://twitter.com/EdwardLeighMP/status/669888840644063232 Edward Leigh MP, Twitter, 26 November 2015.
*Peter Lilley - 'Conservative MP Peter Lilley says he is not yet convinced of case for air strikes in Syria #bbcdp'.DailySunday Politics, Twitter, 1 December 2015.
*Julian Lewis - 'I have to say that the suggestion that there are 70,000 non-Islamist, moderate, credible ground forces is a revelation to me and, I suspect, to most other Members in this House.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Andrew Rosindell - Voted against strikes on Foreign Affairs Committee.Francis Elliott, Twitter, 1 December 2015.
===Labour Party===
The Labour leader is opposed to airstrikes in Syria, as is part of the Shadow Cabinet and many of the 231 Labour MPs.
*Diane Abbott - Supported Corbyn in Shadow Cabinet - New Statesman.George Eaton, Majority of shadow cabinet back air strikes in Syria but Labour position undecided, New Statesman, 26 November 2015.
*Graham Allen - 'There are many other strategic issues that need to be resolved, each of which is a harder longer road than deploying five aircraft.'Graham Allen, Our First Reaction to Atrocities Like Syria Will Always Be to 'Do Something' - But It Is Vital That We Do the Right Thing, Huffington Post, 23 November 2015. 
*Dave AndersonRichard Moss, BBC News, 1 December 2015.
*Kevin Brennan - 'I do not believe that the UK joining in the current bombing in Syria will help the process, or defeat ISIL/Daesh'.Kevin Brennan, No Easy Answers on Syria, Huffington Post, 30 November 2015.
*Karen Buck - 'I may still be convinced by the precise proposal put before us, or by new information or circumstances, but as of now I think it unlikely.'Karen Bick,My statement on intervention in Syria, karenbuck.org.uk, 27 November 2015.
*Richard Burgon - 'I'm not persuaded'.The Prime Minister's Proposal to Bomb Syria, Youtube, 27 November 2015.
*Dawn Butler - States 'my fear is that bombs will make things worse, not better' but adds 'My mind is not closed on this.'Nathalie Raffray, Brent MP Dawn Butler seeks residents’ views on whether to bomb Syria, Brent and Kilburn Times, 24 November 2015.
*Liam Byrne - '.@LiamByrneMP: "I'm sceptical... concerned as to whether David Cameron is going to incorporate the lessons of the last 10/11 years' - BBC.Nick Sutton, Twitter, 29 November 2015.
*Ruth Cadbury - 'As a Quaker, this is a matter of conscience for me, and I will therefore not support military action in Syria.'Ruth Cadbury MP, Twitter, 23 November 2015.
*Ronnie Campbell - ' said he would oppose bombing Syria if a Commons vote was held' - Chronicle Live.Labour MPs blast 'sickening' Jeremy Corbyn critics over bombing Syria, Chronicle Live, 27 November 2015.
*Sarah Champion - 'Unless the motion changes before the vote I will be voting against.'Sarah Champion MP, Twitter, 1 December 2015.
*Jeremy Corbyn - 'In my view, the Prime Minister has been unable to explain the contribution of additional UK bombing'.Full text of Jeremy Corbyn’s letter to Labour MPs about airstrikes on Syria, Labourlist, 26 November 2015.
*John Cryer - Supported Corbyn in Shadow Cabinet - New Statesman.George Eaton, Majority of shadow cabinet back air strikes in Syria but Labour position undecided, New Statesman, 26 November 2015.
*Alex Cunningham - 'I have today written to all Labour Party members in my Stockton North constituency explaining why I will vote against bombing in Syria.'Alex Cunningham, Twitter, 1 December 2015.
*Thangam Debbonaire - Unable to vote for medical reasons but 'If Thangam were able to, she would vote against the current proposals.'[30/11/15: Update on proposals for air strikes on ISIL/Da'esh 30/11/15: Update on proposals for air strikes on ISIL/Da'esh], debbonaire.co.uk, 30 November 2015.
*Peter Dowd - I won't be voting for bombing'.Peter Dowd MP, Twitter, 28 November 2015.
*Bill Esterson - ' So far I share the concerns raised by many that sadly our involvement in Syria will if anything make matters worse not better.'Bill Esterson, Facebook, 29 November 2015.
*Rob Flello - ' I’m opposed to military action in the current circumstances but the situation is dynamic and I will continue to consider what is in the best interests of the UK and, indeed, globally'.Rob Flello, Twitter, 1 December 2015.
*Paul Flynn - 'absurd policy that will increase terrorist recruits'.Paul Flynn MP, Twitter, 26 November 2015.
*Barry Gardiner - "As it stands, I am not prepared to support the prime minister’s proposals.”Lorraine King, Brent MP calls public meeting to discuss government’s plans to bomb Syria, Brent & Kilburn Times, 26 November 2015.
*Pat Glass - 'I cannot see how dropping even more bombs is going to improve things for the people of Syria.'Dan Bloom, These 23 Labour MPs explain why they're refusing to bomb Syria, Mirror, 1 December 2015.
*Roger Godsiff - "What I'm not convinced of is dropping more bombs on Syria is going to add anything to the defeat of ISIS"The World at One, Twitter, 26 November 2015.
*Lilian Greenwood - ' I have decided to vote against the Government’s motion.'Lilian Greenwood, Facebook, 1 December 2015.
*Nia Griffith - 'against Cameron's plan' - Guardian.Rowena Mason & Daniel Boffey, Tom Watson backs airstrikes against Isis, joining opposition to Corbyn, The Guardian, 27 November 2015.
*Louise Haigh - 'I do not believe that he has adequately set out how bombing will bring about the political settlement needed to bring peace and stability to the region.Why I will vote against airstrikes in Syria - Louise Haigh statement, louisehaigh.org.uk, 01 December 2015.
*Helen Hayes - 'While the Prime Minister has highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy I do not believe that he has identified all of the pieces of the jigsaw that are needed.'Dan Bloom, These 23 Labour MPs explain why they're refusing to bomb Syria, Mirror, 1 December 2015.
*John Healey - 'my judgement is to vote against airstrikes in Syria if a decision is called for this week.'John's letter on Syria to Cllr Alan Gosling, chair of Wentworth & Dearne Constituency Labour Party, johnhealeymp.co.uk, 30 November 2015.
*Rupa Huq - 'Explained on @BBCNews my scepticism of UK launching air strikes on Syria'.Rupa Huq MP, twitter, 28 November 2015.
*Imran Hussain - 'More conflict not the answer to Syrian crisis & I will not be supporting military action. Syrians need #blanketsnotbombs #DontBombSyria'.Imran Hussain MP, Twitter, 28 November 2015.
*Stephen Kinnock - 'plans to oppose air strikes' - BBC.Syria air strikes: Not enough votes yet, says Fallon, BBC News, 29 November 2015.
*David Lammy- "We have Russia flying planes, we have the French flying planes, we have the Americans flying planes, we have the Turkish. It's not entirely clear what it would add."Aaron James, Christian Labour MP David Lammy urges against bombing Islamic State in Syria, but says MPs must have free vote, Premier, 28 November 2015.
*Ian Lavery - 'For the record. I'll vote against air strikes in Syria on Wednesday.'Ian Lavery MP, Twitter, 30 November 2015.
*Clive Lewis - 'It is my opinion, after careful consideration of his case and taking into account the other personal considerations mentioned above, that the Prime Minister has failed to answer those conditions.'Clive Lewis MP, Facebook, 27 November 2015.
*Ivan Lewis - 'The current proposal is a short term tactical measure which will neither strengthen our national security or enhance the protection of innocent civilians from brutality and murder. That is why I will oppose the Government on Wednesday.'Ivan Lewis, STATEMENT ON SYRIA, Facebook, 1 December 2015.
*Fiona Mactaggart - 'agrees with [Corbyn] in opposing British intervention in Syria' - Independent.Matt Dathan, Jeremy Corbyn should resign over 'unacceptable' behaviour towards Syria air strikes vote, say senior Labour MPs, Independent, 28 November 2015.
*Justin Madders - 'As things stand, I will be voting against taking action'.Statement on Syria, justinmadders.com, 1 December 2015.
*John Mann - 'There are many other elements needed to curtail Islamic terrorism worldwide, but Cameron’s proposal does nothing whatsoever on them and makes such initiatives more unlikely.'Vote on the RAF taking part in air strikes against ISIS in Syria, Mann4bassetlaw.com, 30 November 2015.
*Rachael Maskell - My decision to vote against air strikes is based on evidence, on analysis of a flimsy proposal & from listening to my constituents, Twitter, 1 December 2015.</ref>
*Kerry McCarthy - 'I am voting against but given the seriousness of issue, I think it deserves a full explanation' Kerry McCarthy MP, Twitter, 1 December 2015.</ref> 
*Andy McDonald - 'I do not believe the plans put forward by the Prime Minister will prove effective.'Why I will vote against UK military action in Syria, Andymcdonaldmp.org, 30 November 2015.
*John McDonnell - "I’m still in a situation where I’ve expressed the view that I’m opposed to the bombing campaign or engagement."George Eaton, John McDonnell interview: “We’re going to destroy Osborne’s credibility”, New Statesman, 24 November 2015.
*Ian Mearns - 'I just don’t see that the Prime Minister made a compelling case to be going into military action' - Chronicle Live.Labour MPs blast 'sickening' Jeremy Corbyn critics over bombing Syria, Chronicle Live, 27 November 2015.
*Madeleine Moon - 'Why is it not right for us to help our allies by clearing the problem of Daesh in Iraq, building a pluralistic state in which Sunnis see a potential future that they can support, and taking the commitment to Iraq before we move on to Syria?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Grahame Morris - 'I have listened to the Prime Minister’s case, but I am not convinced that the UK participating in airstrikes will improve the situation in Syria'.Syria, grahamemorrismp, 1 December 2015.
*Ian Murray - 'I don't think the case has been made because I don't think the bombing of Syria will make any difference to the position of Isil/Daesh.'Labour MP Ian Murray will vote against air strikes on IS in Syria, STV News, 30 November 2015.
*Lisa Nandy - 'I am not convinced the plan the Prime Minister has put forward thus far will make us safer or reduce the threat of ISIL Daesh.Wigan MP to vote against UK air strikes on Syria, Wigan Today, 1 December 2015.
*Chi Onwurah - 'The vast majority of the constituents who contacted me were against airstrikes. I agree with them for the reasons I set out'.Chi thoughts on Syria and voting intention, chionwurahmp.com, 30 November 2015. 
*Kate Osamor - retweeted #DontBombSyria tweet from @jeremycorbyn4pm.Kate Osamor MP, Twitter, 29 November 2015.
*Matthew Pennycook - ' If new information comes to light or more compelling arguments are put before me I may be persuaded to think again but as things stand I intend to vote against the extension of airstrikes against Daesh in Syria.'Matthew Pennycook, British airstrikes against Daesh in Syria, Medium, 30 November 2015.
*Albert Owen - 'the argument that bombing Syria will assist in this objective has not been made'.Dan Bloom, These 23 Labour MPs explain why they're refusing to bomb Syria, Mirror, 1 December 2015.
*Yasmin Qureshi - 'A British offensive on these terms will not help too weaken ISIS or prevent further attacks here in Europe.'Letter to Colleagues (Syria Intervention, yasminqureshi.org.uk, 30 November 2015. 
*Jonathan Reynolds - ' I’m really quite sceptical this is the strategy we need and I’m not tremendously convinced by Cameron’s statement' - Manchester Evening News.Jennifer Williams, Greater Manchester MPs not yet convinced about launching airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, Manchester Evening News, 27 November 2015.
*Naz Shah - 'As it is I was unconvinced before the statement and continue to hold the view that we should not be bombing Syria.'Naz Shah, Facebook, 30 November 2015.
*Paula Sherriff - 'the Prime Minister has failed to convince me that pursuing air strikes in Syria is part of a longer-term and comprehensive strategy and I therefore intend to vote against the motion.'My Position on Syria, paulasheriff.org.uk, 30 November 2015.
*Gavin Shuker - 'I am opposed to the proposed action in Syria, but for the Labour Party not to have a collective position on it is frankly untenable'.Gavin Shuker, Twitter, 26 November 2015.
*Tulip Siddiq - 'I don't feel that air strikes in Syria has been put forward by the Prime Minister in a way that I feel I can support it at this very moment.'Richard Osley, MP Tulip Siddiq set to vote against air strikes in Syria, Camden New Journal, 30 November 2015.
*Dennis Skinner - 'Skinner has warned of the perils of Britain intervening in the Syrian civil war' - Independent.Jon Stone, Dennis Skinner warns against military intervention in Syria's 'crazy war', Independent, 26 November 2015.
*Andy Slaughter - ' I have decided that I cannot support British military action in Syria at present and will be voting against any motion that sanctions it in the House of Commons this week.'Andy Slaughter, Facebook, 30 November 2015.
*Cat Smith - ' I do not wish to see the brave air crew of the RAF placed in danger on a mission I do not believe will achieve its desired outcomes nor provide greater security for us at home.'Cat Smith MP, Facebook, 30 November 2015.
*Owen Smith - 'I've come to the conclusion that the Prime Minister has for me, for this MP, not made the case compellingly enough'.Dan Bloom, These 23 Labour MPs explain why they're refusing to bomb Syria, Mirror, 1 December 2015.
*Keir Starmer - 'I accept that Isis must be defeated and I would be happy to consider a revised strategy. But the current plan is flawed.'.Keir Starmer, Airstrikes in Syria are lawful, but I’ll be voting against them, Guardian, 30 November 2015.
*Jo Stevens - 'I will be voting against air strikes.'Air Strikes in Syria - Vote, jostevens.co.uk, 30 November 2015.
*Wes Streeting - ' I fear we will be inevitably drawn into a quagmire.'Wes Streeting MP, Facebook, 27 November 2015.
*Graham Stringer - 'it’s a marginal military impact and is likely to make things worse rather than better' - Manchester Evening News.Jennifer Williams, Greater Manchester MPs not yet convinced about launching airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, Manchester Evening News, 27 November 2015.
*Mark Tami - 'After careful deliberation I have decided I will be voting against air-strikes in Syria'.Mark Tami, Twitter, 1 December 2015.
*Emily Thornberry - 'I listened with great care to what the Prime Minister said because I wanted to hear about the strategy and the plan, but I am disappointed because I fear it is very thin.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Jon Trickett - Supported Corbyn in Shadow Cabinet - New Statesman.George Eaton, Majority of shadow cabinet back air strikes in Syria but Labour position undecided, New Statesman, 26 November 2015.
*Catherine West - 'at this time I do not believe the case has been made for UK military intervention.'Catherine's statement on Syria and voting intention, http://catherinewest-labourclp97.nationbuilder.com, 30 November 2015.
*Alan Whitehead - 'I am not convinced by the Prime Minister’s propositions concerning bombing, and I will not be supporting his resolution when it is put forward later this week.'My position on Syria, Alan Whitehead.org.uk, 1 December 2015.
*David Winnick - 'would military action help to defeat ISIS? I happen to believe that the answer is no.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Daniel Zeichner - '#Cambridge MP @DanielZeichner tells @PaulStainton that he will support Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and vote against bombing IS in Syria' - BBC.Sam Edwards, Twitter, 27 November 2015.
===SNP===
The SNP are expected to vote against airstrikes.George Eaton, Majority of shadow cabinet back air strikes in Syria but Labour position undecided, New Statesman, 26 November 2015.
*Alan Brown - 'Getting that political strategy agreed is more important than saying, “I hope it will come with air strikes.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Lisa Cameron - 'The Prime Minister said that the proposed air involvement could be sustained for many months. Will he give us further clarification?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Ronnie Cowan - 'Would he concede that if the Chilcot inquiry had produced its report, we would be better informed as to how best to handle this complex situation?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Stephen Gethins - ' I do not believe that he has yet answered our questions adequately on issues such as ground troops or a long-term strategy.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Patrick Grady 'How much will the £1 billion put aside for reconstruction today compare with the total cost of the planned military action, given that the Prime Minister spent 13 times as much on bombing Libya as he did on reconstruction?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Peter Grant - 'A ceasefire among the warring non-Daesh factions in and around Syria is not a striving for perfection, but an absolute requirement.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Stewart Hosie -"of course we couldn't possibly support conflict in the current climate".Syria air strikes: Not enough votes yet, says Fallon, BBC News, 29 November 2015.
*George Kerevan - 'Will the Prime Minister give us his best estimate of the likelihood in reasonable time of a ceasefire between the major non-Daesh forces in Syria that would allow an effective deployment of ground troops to take and hold Daesh territory?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Stewart Malcolm McDonald - ' How can he ensure that the snake is not in fact a Hydra that will emerge stronger in other parts of the region, such as Libya or Tunisia?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Paul Monaghan - 'Parliament Street today outside my office. Thousands demonstrating against the intention to destroy Syria.'Dr Paul Monaghan MP, Twitter, 28 November 2015.
*Gavin Newlands - 'Will he explain how and when he envisages installing a Government that would represent and be supported by all sides in the aftermath of a bloody and immensely complicated civil war?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Brendan O'Hara - 'The Prime Minister is on the record as saying that the UK’s unique contribution to the fight against Daesh is the Brimstone missile, but will he confirm that the Royal Saudi air force has been using the Brimstone missile against Daesh since February?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Kirsten Oswald - 'Only a few weeks ago, the FAC heard that there appeared to be little chance of a legitimate and functioning ally emerging from the chaos on the ground any time soon. What has changed?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Steven Paterson - 'Given the shooting down of the Russian plane by Turkey, one of our NATO allies, and the massive dangers that entails in terms of escalation, can he say a little more on the communications strategy between the anti-Daesh forces that he foresees?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Angus Robertson - 'key questions posed by the FAC remain unanswered, and unless he answers them satisfactorily, the SNP will not vote for airstrikes in Syria.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Alex Salmond - 'The former First Minister for Scotland says a bombing campaign cannot be justified' Press and Journal.VIDEO: Alex Salmond blasts the Prime Minister’s airstrike plans for Syria, The Press and Journal, 30 November 2015.
*Tommy Sheppard - 'Is their view and advice to this House that a successful ground offensive can be undertaken against Daesh in Syria without the involvement or without reference to the existing Syrian armed forces?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015. 
*Owen Thompson - 'Can confirm I will not be voting to bomb #Syria - bombing alone will not solve issues in the region #syriaairstrikes'.Owen Thompson MP, Twitter, 30 November 2015.
*Philippa Whitford - 'We will not bomb them out of existence, and we know that this may well increase recruitment of extremists here.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
===SDLP===
*Mark Durkan - 'Does [the Prime Minister] accept that those valid considerations against such intervention also persuade many of us against intervention on the terms he is commending?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
===Plaid Cymru===
Plaid Cymru's 3 MPs are expected vote against military action.Leanne Wood says Plaid Cymru opposes Syria bombing, BBC News, 28 November 2015.
*Hywel Williams 'I ask [the Prime Minister] to examine his conscience and examine all choices short of bombing, as we all must.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Albert Owen - 'My question to him is simply this: if increased bombing leads to increased refugees, will he reconsider the figure he has put on the number of refugees?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
===Green Party===
*Caroline Lucas - 'will [the Prime Minister] directly address the vital concerns that come through very strongly in the evidence to the Select Committee report that our ability to continue that key political and diplomatic role will be compromised fundamentally if we join the bombing?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
==MPs said to be undecided==
===Conservative Party===
*Graham Brady - 'before a vote in the House of Commons I want to be completely confident that this is only about degrading Isis terrorist and is not a wider intervention in Syria or the Middle East' - Manchester Evening News.Jennifer Williams, Greater Manchester MPs not yet convinced about launching airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, Manchester Evening News, 27 November 2015.
*Jason McCartney - 'said he could end up supporting it, but there is much to consider' - Yorkshire Post.Kate Proctor, Cameron “winning over Yorkshire’s Tory MPs” over Isil air strikes, Yorkshire Post, 26 November 2015.
*Glyn Davies - reported to be undecided - BBC.Syria vote: Most Welsh Labour MPs oppose air strikes, BBC News, 1 December 2015.
===Labour Party===
*Tom Blenkinsop - 'we need to have a proper plan put down where all parties taking place have an agreement where we target ISIS targets only, and if we can do that I’m sure MPs will be listening.'Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop 'is not ruling out' voting for air strikes on Syria, Teesside Gazette, 20 November 2015.
*Paul Blomfield - ' I am still considering my decision.'Action against Daesh in Syria, the digital economy and Small Business Saturday – some of my week ahead, paulblomfield.co.uk, 30 November 2015.
*Richard Burden - "hope the above along with the links I have included gives you an idea of the considerations that will be in the forefront of my mind as I decide how to cast my vote."Richard Burden, UK MILITARY ACTION IN SYRIA – THE ISSUES, richardburden.com, 26 November 2015.
*Andy Burnham - 'understood to be undecided about how to vote' - Guardian.Rowena Mason, Jeremy Corbyn seeks grassroots Labour support for stance against bombing Syria, Guardian, 27 November 2015.
*Yvette Cooper - 'understood to be undecided about how to vote' - Guardian.Rowena Mason, Jeremy Corbyn seeks grassroots Labour support for stance against bombing Syria, Guardian, 27 November 2015.
*Stella Creasy - has said she will decide her position after debate.Stellacreasy, Twitter, 29 November 2015.
*Alex Cunningham - 'A lot for me depends on whether the United Nations actually passes a resolution to qualify what’s going to happen'.Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop 'is not ruling out' voting for air strikes on Syria, Teesside Gazette, 20 November 2015.
*Nic Dakin - ' It's only when it is exactly clear what they are that other parties will be able to determine their response and individual MPs - like myself - will be in a position to vote on this most important of issues.'Nic Dakin, Facebook, 30 November 2015.
*Clive Efford - ' Will he come back to us with more details, in order to convince us that action will result in the outcome that we desire?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Kate Green - 'Kate will be holding a number of events to meet and hear from constituents this weekend'Kate wants to hear from you ahead of possible vote on Syria, kategreen.org, 25 November 2015.
*Mike Kane - 'For those in the House who are still uncertain, the weakness of the analysis is around the winnability strategy on the ground, and the need to not create a vacuum that will be filled by something worse.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.Jennifer Williams, Greater Manchester MPs not yet convinced about launching airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, Manchester Evening News, 27 November 2015.
*Sadiq Khan - 'will decide when he sees the motion put forward by the government' - BBC.Tom Moseley and Matthew Davis, Syria air strikes: Key political debate, BBC News, 29 November 2015.
*Diana Johnson - ' I am still considering the Government’s case for military action'.Action against ISIL/Daesh, dianajohnson.co.uk, 30 November 2015.
*Ed Miliband - '"I think it's a different case but it's a case I'm yet to be convinced of."Ed Miliband still doesn't think Britain should launch airstrikes in Syria, Mirror, 23 November 2015.
*Liz McInnes - 'I'm still weighing up the evidence'.Liz McInnes MP, Twitter, 27 November 2015.
*Jess Phillips - 'The truth is, I don't know what the hell to think.'A Little More Conversation, A Little Less Action, Huffington Post', 27 November 2015.
*Jamie Reed - 'There is no doubt that we must defeat ISIL/Daesh and because of this, I will take my time to ensure the Government’s proposals continue to receive the level of scrutiny that is necessary.'.Copeland MP Seeks Reassurance from PM on Syria, jamiereed.net, 27 November 2015.
*Jeff Smith - 'will continue to listen to all viewpoints as we consider ways to deal with the complex and changing situation in Syria.'Listening To Syrians, jeffsmith.org.uk, 19 November 2015.
===Ulster Unionist Party===
*Danny Kinahan - 'We look forward to the motion from the Prime Minister to assess if our criteria for military action in Syria has been met.'Liam Clarke, 'DUP set to back airstrikes in Syria after David Cameron insists Isis is the only target, Belfast Telegraph, 27 November 2015.
===Independent Unionist===
*Sylvia Hermon - reported to be undecided. BBC.Mark Devenport, Most Northern Ireland MPs to support David Cameron on Syria, BBC News, 1 December 205.
==Other relevant comments from MPs==
===Conservative Party===
*Bob Blackman - 'Will my right hon. Friend explain how long this strategy will take to implement, given that we are clearly not going to get instantaneous results?' Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Peter Bone - 'Does the Prime Minister think there is room, perhaps even before next week, to get the Leader of the Opposition in and agree a draft motion with him?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Rehman Chishti - 'In relation to defeating this evil organisation, its ideological appeal and its self-proclaimed legitimacy, our key ally France uses the term Daesh, and the French media now follow'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Richard Drax - 'I thank my right hon. Friend for his comprehensive statement this morning, but I caution him about ruling out the use of western ground troops.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Richard Fuller - ' Is the Prime Minister sure that that will not happen again as a consequence of the decisions that he makes after today?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Daniel Kawczynski - 'The Prime Minister will know that some of the regional tensions in the middle east and Syria stem from the mutual hostility and antagonism between Iran and Saudi Arabia.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Edward Leigh - 'I know that the Prime Minister will not want to say this in public now and eat his words, but we have to co-operate with Russia, Assad and the Syrian army if we are to complete a bombing war and look forward to the reconstruction after that.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Peter Lilley - 'I would like him to convince me that what he refers to as the Free Syrian Army actually exists and is not a label that we apply to a rag-bag group of clans and tribal forces with no coherent force.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Alan Mak - 'Will [The Prime Minister] outline some of the key capabilities of the RAF that could be brought to bear in the region, and will he join me in paying tribute to its work?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*David Mowat - 'The only apparent source of wealth for ISIL comes from onshore oil fields that do not require precision bombing to take out, yet we have made very little progress on this in the past year.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*David Rutley - 'Like many in the House, I am pleased that today’s statement has a strong focus on post-conflict reconstruction. Can my right hon. Friend tell the House how widely that priority is shared by our EU allies such as Germany and by the nearby Arab states?Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Graham Stuart - ' will [the Prime Minister] tell us why he believes that the Russians and Iran would step back from backing Assad and attacking the Free Syrian Army when we attack the mortal enemy, Daesh?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Michael Tomlinson - 'Can the Prime Minister reassure me and my constituents that if military action is taken, he will not take his eye off the ball on a political settlement?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Maggie Throup - 'Will my right hon. Friend assure the House—and, indeed, my constituents—that if a decision is made to extend air strikes into Syria, every effort will be made to keep people safe on the streets of Britain'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Bill Wiggin - ' In order to succeed, I hope the Prime Minister will not leave the House, given the supportive mood here, and use his considerable brilliance and resources to draft a crafty motion when what he needs to be doing is forming those coalitions of ground troops that we all agree we so badly need.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Craig Whittaker - 'The people of Calder Valley will rightly want to know one key thing, and that is whether British action in Syria will make a real difference to the situation on the ground and help to make us safer at home.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
===Labour Party===
*David Anderson - 'Does the Prime Minister agree with his former Foreign Secretary, William Hague, and with John Bolton, the former US ambassador to the UN, that ultimately the world will have to redraw the map and create a Sunni state in northern Iraq and northern Syria?'Andrew Mitchell & Jo Cox, British forces could help achieve an ethical solution in Syria, Guardian, 11 October 2015.
*Clive Betts - ' There will be Muslims in this country, particularly young Muslims, who, although they do not support ISIL/Daesh, are concerned about the UK being seen to take military action against other Muslims.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Jo Cox (with Andrew Mitchell) - 'What is critical in advancing any military component is that the protection of civilians must be at the centre of the mission'.Andrew Mitchell & Jo Cox, British forces could help achieve an ethical solution in Syria, Guardian, 11 October 2015.
*Stephen Doughty - 'Will [the Prime Minister] say more about the necessity of going after Daesh in the territory that it controls and how that impacts on actions here, recruitments and actions against this country’s citizens?.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*George Howarth - 'I know that these things are still subject to negotiation, but can he give the House an indication of what the characteristics of a legitimate transitional Government might be?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Diana Johnson - 'Does the Prime Minister think that chapter VII of the United Nations charter would need to be invoked to allow military action?Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Susan Elan Jones - ' Let us assume that the House gives its support to the Prime Minister for these air strikes. Can he outline how he and his Secretaries of State will update the House on what is happening?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Steve McCabe - 'I admire the sincerity and conviction of the Prime Minister, but if after months of intensive bombing the Free Syrian Army cannot take Raqqa and has become mired in atrocities it is committing, and there is limited progress on a wider settlement, what will he then ask this House to do?'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Pat McFadden - 'What more can he say to convince the House and the country of his and his Government’s staying power on the diplomatic and political front, particularly at a time when big questions are being asked about Britain’s role in the world and how we see our place in the world?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Alison McGovern - ' What plans is he bringing forward, with our international partners, to make sure that the economic future of Syria is sustainable at the point we can make it so?'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Derek Twigg - ' the issue of ground forces, which has been raised by other Members, is key, and today’s statement was weak in that regard.'Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
*Keith Vaz - 'an inevitable consequence of our intervention will be that the migration crisis will get much worse'.Syria, Hansard, 26 November 2015.
==Notes==
Category:House of Commons