SYRIA UPDATE FROM ANDREW PERCY - MP FOR BRIGG AND GOOLE

Andrew Percy - the Brigg and Goole MP - has emailed many people in our area with the following update on this issue of world importance. 

I have really appreciated the feedback on this issue, especially on the motion that was before the House of Commons yesterday. Most residents commented that the motion was better than expected, as it did not commit us to military action yet. However, many people continued to be concerned that there was still a commitment to a military solution in principle. 

I listened to your views and concluded that I should vote against the motion last night. I did this because I believed that local people were not convinced on the need for a military solution at this stage. I did not enjoy having to walk through the lobby with Labour MPs who, with some honourable exceptions, have been using this issue to undermine the leadership of the Prime Minister. Despite that unease, I still felt voting against the motion was the right thing.

I think the Prime Minister should be commended for putting this before the House of Commons and for accepting the will of Parliament. This is refreshing and a far cry from the way things were done under previous Governments! Over the past few decades, Parliament has been diminished as the power of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has increased. Last night, I think we saw a welcome return to parliamentary democracy. 

That said, we still have an appalling situation in Syria to deal with. The use of chemical weapons must not be ignored, and the international community does need to act. We have seen truly appalling scenes on TV which has united Parliament in demanding action. Our division has been about how best to act.

Thank you once again for taking the time to read this email. I would also like to say a huge thank you to the many hundreds of residents who took the time to respond and share their views. The feedback from residents really influenced the way I voted. 

Anyone wishing to correspond with the MP can contact him through this office in Bigby Street, Brigg - almost opposite the Diya Spice takeaway - or email andrew.percy.mp@parliament.uk