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Fears over Israel influenced MPs in Syria vote

August 30, 2013 11:54
Parliament rejected military action against Syria (Photo: Maurice - Zoetermeer, Netherlands)

By

Marcus Dysch,

Marcus Dysch

2 min read

Parliament's rejection last night of possible British military action in Syria followed hours of debate on the use of chemical weapons.

MPs defeated a government motion and led Prime Minister David Cameron to rule out British involvement in potential US-led strikes.

Among the contributors to the earlier debate was Labour's Manchester Gorton MP Gerald Kaufman, who said Israel's past actions should be taken into account.

Sir Gerald, whose comments were echoed by fellow Labour member Paul Flynn, said: "Israel used white phosphorous in its attack in Gaza in Operation Cast Lead - I saw the consequences for myself when I went there - but Israel gets away with it because it is on the right side of what is regarded as civilised opinion. There is selectivity right the way through."

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