Spelman supports Syrian air strikes

MERIDEN MP Caroline Spelman yesterday voted with the Government in support of extending British air strikes to Syria.

Mrs Spelman, whose constituency encompasses North Solihull, spoke in favour of a bombing offensive against so-called Islamic State militants.

Addressing MPs during the ten-hour debate in the House of Commons, the Conservative backbencher said that religion had been "hijacked for political ends" and it was important to tackle extremism. 

"It is all important how we give our international aid, during and post-conflict, and how we ensure that the voice of the displaced is heard in the post-conflict planning," she said.

"As we know, it is the most vulnerable, and often the women, who have no voice at all in war. We have a duty to ensure that they are heard.

"The public will need continuous assurance and transparency about why action is being taken and what outcomes are being achieved, so I welcome the commitment to quarterly updates for the House."

There were passionate arguments on both sides, although in the end the majority of West Midlands MPs voted in favour of air strikes. The motion was carried by a majority of 179 and the bombing raids are now underway. 

Eleven of the region's MPs, all of them Labour members, opposed the Government's motion.

They included Jess Phillips (Birmingham Yardley) and Liam Byrne (Birmingham Hodge Hill), whose constituencies are adjacent to Meriden.