"The continuing atrocities being committed in Syria have necessitated decisive action. However I, and several of my colleagues, have previously made it clear that any military action undertaken by a coalition of forces that include the United Kingdom should not occur without a debate in Parliament. Therefore the decision by the Prime Minister to recall Parliament is the right one.
The procrastination and indecision by President Obama has emboldened the Assad regime and this has culminated in the apparent use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people. Such action is not acceptable to the international community.
However, before blame is apportioned we need to determine from the scientific evidence who was responsible for this latest attack and specifically identify the unit who undertook the action, so that our response is tailored not to favour either side.
It is my view that recent events may justify a military intervention by a coalition of forces that include direct military strikes. But what I do not support is military invasion or arming the rebel fighters dominated by Islamist extremists. I believe the UK Government should support an arms embargo and a no-fly zone that would reduce the current level of violence.
If military intervention is agreed we should be prepared to follow up with a second or more severe wave to ensure there is not a retaliatory chemical attack or some other outrage - but we must not be drawn into a protracted air campaign as this could result in all sides turning against us.
The conflict in Syria is not Afghanistan, Iraq or even Libya. This is a conflict that has repercussions on a regional and even international level. There are people outside the country from different ethic and religious backgrounds who have their own agenda in perpetrating the violence and any action by the UK must not propagate their motives."