MPs approve motion on ISIL in Syria

MPs have voted 397 to 223 to approve the motion on ISIL in Syria (United Nations Security Council Resolution 2249) in the House of Commons Chamber on Wednesday 2 December 2015.

Motion for debate

MPs debated the following motion:

“That this House notes that ISIL poses a direct threat to the United Kingdom; welcomes United Nations Security Council Resolution 2249 which determines that ISIL constitutes an 'unprecedented threat to international peace and security' and calls on states to take 'all necessary measures' to prevent terrorist acts by ISIL and to 'eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria'; further notes the clear legal basis to defend the UK and our allies in accordance with the UN Charter; notes that military action against ISIL is only one component of a broader strategy to bring peace and stability to Syria; welcomes the renewed impetus behind the Vienna talks on a ceasefire and political settlement; welcomes the Government's continuing commitment to providing humanitarian support to Syrian refugees; underlines the importance of planning for post-conflict stabilisation and reconstruction in Syria; welcomes the Government’s continued determination to cut ISIL’s sources of finance, fighters and weapons; notes the requests from France, the US and regional allies for UK military assistance; acknowledges the importance of seeking to avoid civilian casualties, using the UK’s particular capabilities; notes the Government will not deploy UK troops in ground combat operations; welcomes the Government's commitment to provide quarterly progress reports to the House; and accordingly supports Her Majesty's Government in taking military action, specifically airstrikes, exclusively against ISIL in Syria; and offers its wholehearted support to Her Majesty's Armed Forces .”

Amendments to the Motion

The Speaker selected Amendment (b) for debate alongside the main Motion. Amendments that were tabled by the rise of the House on Tuesday 1 December were published in the Order Paper.

Read Order of Business: 2 December 2015

MPs voted against Amendment (b), proposed by John Baron MP (Division No. 138: Ayes 211 votes, Noes 390 votes).

Changes to Business for Wednesday 2 December

This change to Commons Business follows a statement and Sittings of the House Motion from Chris Grayling, Leader of the House of Commons, on Tuesday 1 December.

Watch Parliament TV: Business statement on Tuesday 1 December

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