Syria air strikes

After Ten and a half hours parliamentary debate on Wednesday 2^nd December 2015, which finish with Parliament voting overwhelmingly by 397 votes to 223 - a majority of 174 for the United Kingdom to take military action specifically airstrikes against Isis, Isil, IS or Daesh in Syria.

That terrorist organisation poses a direct threat to the UK and an unprecedented threat to international peace and security.

Sanctioned by the United Nations, every nation is urged to take all necessary measures to prevent terrorist acts by Isis, Isil, IS or Daesh and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria.

This comes in the wake of the Paris massacre and is only one component of a broader strategy to bring peace and stability to Syria.

That strategy includes talks on a ceasefire and a political settlement.

The Government is also committed to providing humanitarian support to Syrian refugees and planning for post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction.  

Jeremy Corbyn gave Labour MPs a free vote after clear division in the Shadow Cabinet, Corbyn opposed military action and Hilary Benn voted in favour.

One of Mr Corbyn’s allies warned that we would be ‘killing babies’ if we were to take military action.

He is right though - War kills babies, women, men, children and all living things.

Despite targeted bombing, innocent people die.

At least nineteen were killed by the US bombing of the Medicins Sans Frontieres’ hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan recently.

But even so, this is very different from starting out with the 'intention' of killing babies.

Herod was determined to protect his kingdom and power.

The newborn, Christ-Child threatened all Herod had and after being tricked by the Magi, Herod killed all the male children under two in and around Bethlehem.

Jesus and his family escaped, becoming refugees in Egypt, until an angel told them that those who tried to kill the child were dead, so Mary and Joseph returned to their home in Nazareth.

Similarly, and yet not so similarly to Herod, Isis, Isil, IS or Daesh kills not only babies but everyone, especially Christians.

The bombings and beheadings are indiscriminate, random and deadly. 

They are fanatical, beyond reason and warfare against them is a last resort.

All other means must be exhausted and it must be proportionate.

That means we only use the force necessary to wipe out the threat and this now has the legitimate authority of our own Parliament, but also of the United Nations.

The death of civilians is only justified if they are the unavoidable victims in attacking a military target, the goal is always and only peace.

Isis, Isil, IS or Daesh must be defeated if there is to be justice and peace in the world - not only for the inhabitants of Syria, Iraq and the rest of the Middle East.

All of us are now on the frontline - Eating, drinking, concert going and watching sports events should be without threat, in freedom and security.

People died to maintain that freedom and people will die again, as this war on terrorism affects the world.

All that is required for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing and if we wish peace, we must be prepared for war.