After recent terrorist outrages, would you support military action in Syria?
Would you support military action against IS in Syria?
- Yes - but air strikes only
- 22
- Yes - we should deploy air strikes and ground troops
- 46
- No - it will make things worse
- 287
The recent terrorist atrocities in Paris have given fresh impetus to calls for military action against so-called Islamic State (IS) in Syria.
Last Friday’s killings, which follow other IS outrages in Beirut and Ankara, have led many to call for the UK to join in some kind of attack – either in the form of air strikes or direct deployment of troops.
Prime Minister David Cameron suffered a defeat in the House of Commons the last time the UK parliament debated talking military action in Syria.
That time it was proposed that UK planes be deployed against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces.
It is thought the Tory government is considering bringing the issue to the Commons again – this time seeking a mandate for an air attack on IS in Syria.
Before the attack on Paris, polls show that the public – mindful of the disastrous invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan – had been against involvement.
However, since the events in Paris, there has been a noticeable shift, with a recent BMG Research poll finding the country split 50-50 on the subject of air strikes.
A YouGov survey found 58 per cent saying they would approve of the RAF taking part in airstrikes, but in a Survation poll, a majority said military strikes would make the UK a less safe place.
In Scotland, the SNP – with its crucial block of MPs at Westminster – said it was “prepared to listen” to the PM’s case for air strikes, while maintaining its official stance that nothing should be done without a United Nations mandate.
Meanwhile, civil society is gearing up to oppose any rush to arms – with both CND and Stop The War opposing action.
What do you think? Would you support military action against IS in Syria?
