MPs on Syria airstrikes, November-December 2015

This is a very rough and ready attempt to look at what public evidence exists as to the balance of opinion in Parliament on the Government's proposal for airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, ahead of a likely vote in November 2014. It is mostly based on public statements, although it also uses some unattributed reports, such as those of shadow cabinet meetings. Given the considered statements coming from MPs, its sometimes a fine judgement whether or not MPs are leaning one way of the other, and many are likely to take no position until a vote. The relevant evidence used for each MP is included in references below.

MPs leaning towards airstrikes

Conservative Party

• David Cameron

Labour Party

• Heidi Alexander
• Hilary Benn
• Vernon Coaker
• Michael Dugher
• Angela Eagle
• Caroline Flint
• Mike Gapes
• Liz Kendall
• Lucy Powell
• Tom Watson
• John Woodcock

=Labour Party

• Diane Abbott
• Richard Burgon
• Ruth Cadbury
• Jeremy Corbyn
• John Cryer
• Paul Flynn
• Roger Godsiff - "What I'm not convinced of is dropping more bombs on Syria is going to add anything to the defeat of ISIS"
• Nia Griffith
• Fiona Mactaggart
• John McDonnell
• Gavin Shuker
• Dennis Skinner
• Wes Streeting
• Emily Thornberry
• John Trickett
• David Winnick

MPs said to be undecided

• Chris Bryant
• Richard Burden - "hope the above along with the links I have included gives you an idea of the considerations that will be in the forefront of my mind as I decide how to cast my vote."
• Andy Burnham
• Dawn Butler
• Sarah Champion
• Yvette Cooper
• Kate Green
• Liz McInnes

Other comments from MPs

Labour Party

• Graham Allen - It's not explicit but this article looks leaning against to me.