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| * Paul Waugh |
by Paul Waugh | Politics
David Cameron has one of his most important Common statements of his premiership today as he delivers his case for UK military action in Syria.
Tory, Labour and SNP MPs alike will want to hear just whether each of the Foreign Affairs Committee’s tests have been met - on the peace process, on UN authorisation, on clarity on boots on the ground and on legality. Cameron has a seven point plan he will set out, we’re told.
But for Jeremy Corbyn this is also a huge moment. HuffPost revealed early this morning that he and other senior Shadow Cabinet ministers received a confidential briefing from intelligence and security chiefs at 7pm in the Leader of the Opposition’s office last night.
I’m told that the briefing updated Corbyn, John McDonnell and his team on the scale of the ISIL threat to Britain and British citizens. It could be a game changer if it means that Corbyn has been given information on how the UK could act to prevent loss of life over here.
Yet when asked about the HuffPost story on Today, McDonnell gave a strong hint that his own personal view hadn’t changed. He refused to comment on the confidential briefing but said: “I come from a point where I’m deeply sceptical about any British involvement in the Middle East and any action, full stop”
Dan Jarvis meanwhile says of Corbyn’s response in the chamber today: “People will expect him to rule nothing out at this stage, rule nothing in.” The Shadow Cabinet meets later today and its big decision will be on Monday. I’m told by one MP this morning that Hilary Benn may not be allowed to speak at the PLP later that day and that questions will only be to Corbyn.
The key point is that No.10 does not want to win such a crucial vote on a matter of war and peace by just one or two votes. It wants a serious majority. Only if there is either a Labour free vote or whipped vote in favour of action will that happen.
George Osborne told Today: “I think we can bring some unique capabilities to that conflict”. Francois Hollande visits Vladimir Putin in Moscow today.
David Cameron has one of his most important Common statements of his premiership today as he delivers his case for UK military action in Syria.
Tory, Labour and SNP MPs alike will want to hear just whether each of the Foreign Affairs Committee’s tests have been met - on the peace process, on UN authorisation, on clarity on boots on the ground and on legality. Cameron has a seven point plan he will set out, we’re told.
But for Jeremy Corbyn this is also a huge moment. HuffPost revealed early this morning that he and other senior Shadow Cabinet ministers received a confidential briefing from intelligence and security chiefs at 7pm in the Leader of the Opposition’s office last night.
I’m told that the briefing updated Corbyn, John McDonnell and his team on the scale of the ISIL threat to Britain and British citizens. It could be a game changer if it means that Corbyn has been given information on how the UK could act to prevent loss of life over here.
Yet when asked about the HuffPost story on Today, McDonnell gave a strong hint that his own personal view hadn’t changed. He refused to comment on the confidential briefing but said: “I come from a point where I’m deeply sceptical about any British involvement in the Middle East and any action, full stop”
Dan Jarvis meanwhile says of Corbyn’s response in the chamber today: “People will expect him to rule nothing out at this stage, rule nothing in.” The Shadow Cabinet meets later today and its big decision will be on Monday. I’m told by one MP this morning that Hilary Benn may not be allowed to speak at the PLP later that day and that questions will only be to Corbyn.
The key point is that No.10 does not want to win such a crucial vote on a matter of war and peace by just one or two votes. It wants a serious majority. Only if there is either a Labour free vote or whipped vote in favour of action will that happen.
George Osborne told Today: “I think we can bring some unique capabilities to that conflict”. Francois Hollande visits Vladimir Putin in Moscow today.
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* Paul Waugh is the Executive Editor, Politics, HuffPost UK.
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