After a 10-hour Commons debate, approval given to bomb Syrian targets

DECEMBER 2 saw all eyes on the House of Commons where a debate concerning the use of RAF bombers to attack ISIS targets in Syria took place, with some surprising and moving speeches as well as some ill-timed comments all from unexpected places.

David Cameron probably chose the most inappropriate phrase when addressing Tory members when he said ‘you should not be walking through the lobbies with Jeremy Corbyn and a bunch of terrorist sympathisers’ and despite calls for a retraction, he stood by his words, although in his opening speech he did say he will ‘respect people who’ve come to a different view’ from the government.

He also announced that he would only refer to the terrorists as Daesh in future saying: “I feel it is time to join our key ally France, the Arab League, and other members of the International community in using as frequently as possible the terminology Daesh rather than ISIL. Because frankly this evil death cult is neither a true representation of Islam nor is it a State.”

Somewhat predictably, Jeremy Corbyn spoke against the proposal but the most believable and heartfelt speech came from Tony Benn’s son, Hilary who has never been considered a passionate speaker before, but he, speaking in favour of the motion is said to have given one of the greatest speeches heard in the House for many years.

After Jeremy Corbyn had agreed to allow a free vote on the motion, it was a foregone conclusion that it would go through and indeed the vote was recorded as 397 for and 223 against. 

Within one hour of the vote being announced, four RAF Tornado jets were reported as taking off from their base in Cyprus to attack the Omar oilfield in eastern Syria which is controlled by ISIS forces.

In addition, a further two Tornados and six Typhoons are being sent to RAF Akrotiri to bolster the attack force there and it is expected that the attacks will continue, in conjunction with NATO allies, for some considerable time to come.