Labour MPs Come Out In Support Of Syria Strikes

A group of backbench Labour MPs in favour of military action against Islamic State in Syria is to go public with its case next week, ahead of the expected publication of a Syria plan by the Prime Minister.

The backbenchers, including some former shadow Cabinet ministers, say between 20 and 25 Labour MPs will back RAF action in Syria "come what may".

But the MPs will detail concerns with Syria strikes, which they expect will then be answered in David Cameron's Syria strategy.

The PM is expected to make his case in a letter responding to a critical Foreign Affairs Committee report as early as the end of next week.

The concerns expressed by the backbenchers are expected to include a diplomatic plan for a ceasefire in the Syrian civil war, the role of regional powers, legality and curbs on the use of ground troops, a post-reconstruction plan, and protections for refugees displaced by military action.

Rebel Labour MPs were last night "going through the numbers" in the House of Commons. In addition to the 20 Labour MPs set to back the idea of targeting IS in Syria, a larger group of "up to 50 MPs" might be persuaded if the PM can convince on a wide-ranging diplomatic, humanitarian and military plan.

It is part of a "twin-track approach" from Labour MPs. Frontbenchers will also challenge Mr Corbyn over his comments to Sky News on Tuesday saying a free vote was "not on offer".

Mr Corbyn will be told that imposing a three-line whip on opposing military action in Syria will lead to a series of frontbench resignations including members of the Shadow Cabinet.

Labour MPs were emailed on Wednesday by the Ministry of Defence inviting them to a briefing on efforts to counter IS on 1 December. Around 30 Labour MPs were briefed at the Ministry of Defence two months ago.

Frustrations with the leadership have boiled over this week after a series of interviews given by Jeremy Corbyn in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks.

The appointment of anti-Trident Corbyn ally Ken Livingstone as co-chair of the party defence review further inflamed relations.

John Woodcock, the pro-Trident chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party Defence Committee, circulated a letter to MPs questioning the appointment of the ex-Mayor of London alongside the shadow Defence Secretary Maria Eagle.

Number 10 sources said that Mr Cameron is still not going to push a vote on military action in Syria until he knows he will win the vote.

Downing Street fears losing another vote on military action in the Commons will damage Britain's standing in the world.