Daniel Kawczynski advises caution over Syria action

Daniel Kawczynski said the Prime Minister must exercise great control in deciding whether to enter into any action undertaken by other countries following the apparent chemical attack in the formerly rebel-held town of Douma.

Sources say the PM is prepared to take action against the Assad regime without first seeking Parliamentary consent and has gathered together her cabinet to discuss the issue.

But Mr Kawczynski said that there needs to be a vote amongst MPs before any action is sanctioned.

"I feel very strongly about the extraordinary cocktail of different groups and countries that are involved in this civil war," he said.

"I just feel that to intervene now opens us up to another protracted war with boots on the ground as in previous interventions in Iraq and Libya. There has to be the backing and consensus of United Nations before any action is taken.

"The cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2003-09 cost £20 billion. That is enough to build and equip 226 new hospitals. So we have to be very cautious in any additional wars before we get involved in any knee jerk reactions. It is very easy for the Prime Minister to send bombing campaigns to these countries but what Libya taught us is that we replace on tyrant with another or terrorist groups.

"When she first entered Downing Street, she stated that for the rest of her premiership she would seek Parliamentary approval for involvement overseas. If she is true to her word she needs to have the mandate of the House of Commons. Evidence needs to be presented to the House of Commons."

Mrs May has said "all the indications" are that the Syrian regime of president Bashar al-Assad, which denies mounting a chemical attack, was responsible.

Senior figures from Russia, which provides military support to the Syrian regime, have warned of a Russian response to a US attack.

If the cabinet approves UK involvement, that would open the way for British forces to join an operation against Syrian targets that US President Donald Trump has said in a tweet "will be coming".

MPs are due to return to Westminster from the Easter recess on Monday.