Simon Danczuk explains his stance on air strikes in Syria

Photo: Journeaux

Simon Danczuk

Simon Danczuk has explained his reasons for supporting military action in Syria, describing it as “one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make as an MP”.

Speaking ahead of the House of Commons vote on air strikes against ISIS, Mr Danczuk said he had studied both sides of the argument closely before reluctantly deciding in favour.

The Rochdale MP added that his support is contingent on the Government having a proper plan in place for the future of Syria and securing a commitment that there will be no British ground troops deployed.

Mr Danczuk said: “No politician takes a vote like this lightly and this is one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make as an MP.

“But after consulting the experts and speaking to my constituents on the doorstep I have reluctantly decided that this is the right thing to do.

“I voted against air strikes in 2013 but the rise of ISIS and the recent terrorist attack on Paris are gamechangers.

“This was an attack on innocent civilians in a city just a couple of hours travel from the UK. ISIS needs to be stopped and we can't outsource the defence of our own people to other countries.

“As a founding member of the United Nations, it is right that we stand in solidarity with France and our other allies.”