(London) – The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has lost a vital parliamentary vote endorsing military action against Syria. In an unexpected development, Cameron and his coalition government failed to pass a motion that would have authorised military action against Syria in principle by 285 to 272 votes.
The British Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, said that Britain would not take part in any military action. “I hoped we would carry the argument but we understand there is a deep well of suspicion about involvement in the Middle East,” Hammond told reporters. The United States, a key ally, would be disappointed that Britain “will not be involved,” he added, but said: “I don’t expect that the lack of British participation will stop any action.”
