Terrorism

UK Approves Airstrikes In Syria

The country is already conducting airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq.

UK Approves Airstrikes In Syria
Getty Images / Chris Ratcliffe
Article by Kate Grumke
SMS
December 2, 2015

"The ayes to the right, 397. The nos to the left, 223. The ayes have it, the ayes have it." Speaker of the House John Bercow announced.

British Members of Parliament just approved airstrikes in Syria, joining an effort by France, the U.S. and Russia, among other countries. (Video via CJTF-OIR)  

The vote was 397 to 223.

All day, the House of Commons heard divided arguments over the airstrikes.

A majority of Conservatives were in favor of the airstrikes.

Members of the Labour Party, headed by Jeremy Corbyn, were split over whether or not to launch airstrikes. Despite his strong opposition to military intervention, Corbyn decided not to try to rally Labour members of Parliament to vote against the airstrikes.

The U.K. will continue its airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and provide material support to anti-ISIS rebels in both Iraq and Syria. (Video via U.K. Ministry of Defense)