Syria: Hague Rules Out British Military Action

William Hague rules out British military involvement in Syria and brands Labour “opportunistic” for opposing action.

Speaking on Sky News’ Murnaghan programme the Foreign Secretary said “Parliament has spoken” and that it would be unrealistic to launch more attempts to persuade MPs to support military force.

Mr Hague said if another vote was held then Labour would have to “play a less partisan and less opportunistic role and be prepared to take yes for an answer in terms of the motions that we present to the House of Commons”.

He said he thinks the opposition party has “some hard thinking to do” in relation to their stance.

“There is some serious concern in other capitals, not just across the Atlantic but in European capitals as well, about the position they (Labour) have taken in voting down a government motion (on Syria),” he said.

Mr Hague said Britain’s role now is to support other nations rather than participate in any military sense.

But he denied that the country’s entire foreign policy in regard to Syria had been rejected in Thursday’s vote and pledged to continue to support the country with humanitarian aid and work with allies.

On Saturday US President Barack Obama confirmed that he believes in the use of force following the alleged use of chemical weapons by President Bashar al Assad.

He has formally requested authorisation from Congress before any action begins which means there will be no strikes before members will return on September 9.

Mr Hague insisted relations between the US and the UK remain strong and said Britain will provide diplomatic and political support.

He said: “The United States are clear that the special relationship remains.

“They have been very good about the result of our vote and understand that we respect democratic procedures in our country and so equally we must respect theirs.

“We are not going to get involved in their congressional debate.

“But, we do believe this threat has to be confronted and if it is not confronted now the confrontation in the end will only be bigger.”

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Syria: Hague Rules Out British Military Action