WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin voted in favour to take strike action against the so called Islamic State saying airstrikes would help degrade the group’s threat to the UK.
Following a ten-hour debate yesterday (Wednesday) at the House of Commons, MPs backed a Government motion calling on the UK to attack ISIS target zones. It was voted in favour by 397 MPs with 223 rejecting the motion – a majority of 174.
Reports suggested RAF air strikes were launched in Syria within hours after the votes were cast.
Mrs Baldwin admitted it was a very difficult decision to make but said it was in the ‘national interest’ to take action.
A statement on her website reads: “I entirely agree that this was a very difficult situation and that the option of attacking an enemy should only ever be adopted in the last resort.
“Da’esh (other name for ISIS) however poses a very direct threat to the United Kingdom and as we have already seen in the current campaign in Iraq, British air strikes and weapons can play a key role in degrading them.
“I believe that it is in the national interest to answer the call from our allies and from the United Nations and to work with them. But I also believe that we need a comprehensive strategy for Syria, which includes finding a political solution to the turmoil; a continuation of our extensive humanitarian efforts and a clear commitment to post-conflict reconstruction.
“Having listened to the Prime Minister speaking and responding to questions and to the long and detailed debate in the Chamber yesterday, I felt confident that it is now appropriate to be embarking on air strikes and I voted to support the Government motion.
“I welcome the fact that overnight the RAF has successfully bombed some of the oil installations which have been helping to fund Da’esh’s activities.”
