Corbyn To Offer Free Vote On Syria Airstrikes

Jeremy Corbyn will offer his MPs a free vote on airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria.

The Labour leader is opposed to military action but, threatened with possible resignations from his shadow cabinet, has decided to allow members to vote according to their conscience.

He has written to the Prime Minister requesting a two-day debate on the "highly complex situation" - but Sky sources understands a one-day debate is being planned for Wednesday.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has said he is confident a majority can be secured.

David Cameron is due to give a statement on Syria tonight.

:: What Persuaded PM To Seek Second Syria Vote?

Following a meeting of the shadow cabinet, a spokesman for Mr Corbyn said: "Today's shadow cabinet agreed to back Jeremy Corbyn's recommendation of a free vote on the Government's proposal to authorise UK bombing in Syria.

"The shadow cabinet decided to support the call for David Cameron to step back from the rush to war and hold a full two-day debate in the House of Commons on such a crucial national decision.

"Shadow cabinet members agreed to call David Cameron to account on the unanswered questions raised by his case for bombing, including: how it would accelerate a negotiated settlement of the Syrian civil war; what ground troops would take territory evacuated by ISIS; military co-ordination and strategy; the refugee crisis and the imperative to cut-off of supplies to ISIS."

The two-hour meeting heard that as many as 43% of Labour MPs - amounting to almost 100 - back airstrikes.

:: Syria: 75% Of Labour Members Against Airstrikes

If correct, this would appear to give Mr Cameron the "clear majority" he wants before bringing Syria to the Commons for a second time.

The Prime Minister suffered a humiliating defeat in 2013 when he sought approval for action against Syria's president Bashar al-Assad.

Despite offering his MPs a free vote, Mr Corbyn will make clear that the party's official policy is to oppose military action.

But his new position has been criticised by the SNP, which has indicated it will not support Mr Cameron.

Leader Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "So a party that says it is anti-airstrikes has just made a vote for airstrikes more likely?! Go figure."

Earlier, a survey of Labour party members suggested an overwhelming majority are against airstrikes.

:: Analysis: Take Labour's Syria Survey With A Pinch Of Salt

According to Labour, there were 107,875 responses, of which 64,771 were from full individual party members.

An initial analysis of 1,900 responses showed 75% were against military action, 13% in favour and 11% undecided.

A Number 10 spokesman said earlier on Monday that discussions were under way within Government on the wording of a draft motion, covering not only military action but also counter-extremism, the diplomatic and political process and humanitarian efforts.