Today’s broadcast headlines include reports that Downing Street is shelving its plans for a House of Commons vote to authorise British air strikes against ISIL in Syria.
Syria Vote
The Times and The Guardian report that the Prime Minister is halting plans to call a Commons vote to approve British air strikes against ISIL in Syria. The Financial Times also reports that the Prime Minister would still like to win support in the House of Commons for extending RAF air strikes against ISIL to Syria but is reconsidering whether to push for a motion,
A Downing Street Spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister’s position hasn’t changed. He’s consistently said that we would only go back to the House on this issue if there was clear consensus and that remains the case. Meanwhile, the Government continues to work to bring the conflict to an end in Syria and we are working closely with our allies to inject greater momentum into efforts to find a political solution, which we’ve always said will be the way to bring this war to an end and give Syria hope for the future.
FAC Report on Syria
There is coverage of the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC)’s report saying that benefits from British military intervention in Syria “don't outweigh risks”, in the Daily Mail, The Independent, The Mirror and the Daily Telegraph. The FAC report says airstrikes on ISIL forces would have only a 'marginal effect' and damages hopes of a diplomatic solution. The Prime Minister’s support for launching air strikes on jihadists in Syria is reported as "incoherent".
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:
Defeating ISIL and ending the Syrian conflict are two faces of the same problem that Britain is working tirelessly with our international partners to overcome.
Britain remains committed to using every tool available to save lives and create the conditions for peace in Iraq and Syria. We are playing a leading role in confronting ISIL militarily, we are tackling the appalling humanitarian situation with over £1.1 billion in aid, and we are pursuing a new political process to end the Syrian civil war with urgency and determination. Last week’s Vienna talks on Syria were the beginning of a new diplomatic initiative that Britain is committed to driving forward. They include Russia, the US and Iran – all countries which are engaged in military action in Syria.
RAF airstrikes against ISIL are not the sole solution but military action, in co-ordination with our Coalition allies, is having a substantial impact in degrading ISIL in Iraq and its ability to operate further afield. In the last year, ISIL has lost 30% of its territory in Iraq. It is right that we continue to use military force against ISIL while we use diplomatic power to work towards a political solution in the Syrian civil war.
Pte Gavin Williams Inquest
The first day of the Private Gavin Williams inquest is reported in the Daily Mail, The Sun and the Daily Express.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
Our thoughts are with Pte Williams’s family and friends at this very difficult time. The Ministry of Defence is co-operating fully with the Coroner; all questions about the conduct of the inquest should be directed to the Coroner.
Paris Missile Deal
The Sun carries a story on the new deal that Britain and France will agree to secure the creation of the next generation of missiles when the Defence Secretary meets French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian today.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Our defence relationship with France continues to thrive. The joint development of next generation missiles is just the latest example of this. Sharing knowledge and information more deeply will help us develop better weapons more efficiently and keep both of our countries safe.
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