British air strikes in Syria: Jeremy Corbyn writes letter to Labour MPs explaining why he 'cannot support' government proposal

Jeremy Corbyn has written a letter to Labour MPs saying he “cannot support” David Cameron’s plans for British air strikes on Isis in Syria.

The Leader of the Opposition wrote that although he was horrified by the “despicable” Paris attacks and was determined to see the extremist group defeated, he did not believe the Prime Minister made a convincing case.

“In my view, the Prime Minister has been unable to explain the contribution of additional UK bombing to a comprehensive negotiated political settlement of the Syrian civil war, or its likely impact on the threat of terrorist attacks in the UK,” Mr Corbyn wrote.

“For these and other reasons, I do not believe the Prime Minister's current proposal for air strikes in Syria will protect our security and therefore cannot support it.”

The shadow cabinet debated the issue at a meeting today and will convene today on Monday to attempt to reach a consensus that has so far evaded members.

Labour frontbenchers are reported to be deeply divided on the prospect of extending RAF air strikes from Iraq into Syria in the wake of calls for a wider international push against Isis in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Mr Corbyn said his first priority was “the security of Britain and the safety of the British people” but claimed the Government’s proposed strategy was not “coherent” or adequately co-ordinated through the UN.

He also questioned what “credible and acceptable” ground forces could hold territory freed from Isis by an intensified air campaign.

His comments came after a Russian pilot was killed by “moderate” anti-Assad rebels loosely affiliated to the US-backed Free Syrian Army.

Mr Corbyn’s comments clashed with those made by his shadow Foreign Secretary, Hilary Benn, who said the Prime Minster had set out a “compelling argument” in favour of intervention.

Speaking following today’s shadow cabinet meeting , Mr Benn said: “I think we have heard a compelling argument – both because of the threat to the United Kingdom and also because we are right to have been taking the action that we have in Iraq to support the Iraqi government in trying to repel the invasion from Isil and we’ve seen recently the success of the Peshmerga forces with support from the air in pushing Isil out of Sinjar.

“We’re also trying to make life difficult for Isil in Syria and I think I think there’s a very strong case for us playing our full part in doing that given that we are currently flying missions, providing intelligence and refuelling to others who are participating.

“I think our allies look to us, particularly the French after the grievous blow they have suffered in Paris, and they want to feel that we are with them in solidarity and I think we should be.”

Addressing the House of Commons this morning, Mr Cameron warned that the jihadist group views the UK as a “top tier” target.

He argued that extending British strikes to Syria would protect the British public from Isis but said no decision on whether to send RAF drones and planes will take place until he is sure he has a “clear majority” of MPs in favour.