"Sending British troops into conflict is the most serious decision any Member of Parliament will ever face and it is not one that I take lightly.
Memories of past conflicts are still fresh in this country’s mind. Afghanistan and Iraq have rightly given us all concerns about engaging in military combat in the middle-east and, in my view, rightly so. But we must not let these past experiences prevent us for ever engaging in military action when it is necessary to do so, but we must learn the lessons of past conflicts.
To use Iraq and Afghanistan as a reason not to fight against terrorism is in my opinion the wrong course of action. To shy away from barbarity and radicalisation is to give in to murderous regimes, and suggests to them that there are no consequences for their heinous actions. These are not the principles that Britain stands for.
Britain’s moral compass points to freedom and equality. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the civilised world in opposing those who try to destroy our freedom and destroy equality. That is why we must seriously consider taking action against ISIL.
That said, I have three tests that must be passed before I vote to take action. First, is action required; second, is action legal and just; and third, have we learned the lessons of past conflicts and ensure that we do not repeat any mistakes from the past.
The first test, I believe is the simplest to answer. Yes, action is required. ISIL is a violent and barbaric death cult who murder and pillage their way across the Middle East, and threaten our security here in Britain. Action must be taken to rid the world of this evil.
The second test, is action legal and just, can also be answered. Action against ISIL is underscored by the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2249, which states that ISIL “constitutes a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and security” and calls for member states to take “all necessary measures” to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL and, crucially, it says that we should “eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria”.
Third, have we learned the lessons of past conflicts. This point has been of great concern to many of my constituents. As I have already mentioned, the outcome of conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have caused concern for future military intervention in the Middle East. However, I believe that we have learned a great many lessons from these conflicts. The Prime Minister has put into the motion voted on today that the House will “underline the importance of planning for post-conflict stabilisation and reconstruction in Syria”. I believe that this shows that the government has learned the lessons of past conflicts and will ensure that we have an exit strategy and a strategy for stabilisation in the region.
Therefore, my tests are passed – and it is with a heavy heart that I will vote for the motion. It is never an easy decision to send our brave troops into combat but I do believe that we must act, and now is the time to do so.
While I know this may come as a disappointment to some of my constituents, I feel this decision is about the safety and security of our country, and indeed the wider world. We have a duty to act in that interest and this is why I will vote for the motion."