US, British and French forces launched air strikes on Syria in response to a suspected poison gas attack that killed dozens of people, aiming to degrade its chemical weapons capabilities in the biggest intervention yet in the conflict by Western powers. By launching strikes without prior approval from parliament, Prime Minister Theresa May dispensed with a non-binding constitutional convention dating back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but said speed was essential and that military action was in the national interest. Here is reaction in Britain to the missile strikes: Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn: “Bombs won’t save lives or bring about peace. This legally questionable action risks escalating further, as US Defence Secretary James Mattis has admitted, an already devastating conflict and therefore makes real accountability for war crimes and use of chemical weapons less, not more likely. “Britain should be playing a leadership role to bring about a ceasefire in the conflict, not taking instructions from Washington and putting British military personnel in harm’s way. “Theresa May should have sought parliamentary approval, not trailed after Donald Trump. The Government should do whatever possible to push Russia and the United States to agree to an independent UN-led investigation of last weekend’s horrific chemical weapons attack so that those responsible can be held to account.” Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats: “Riding the coattails of an erratic US President is no substitute for a mandate from the House of Commons. “The Prime Minister could and should have recalled Parliament this week and sought the approval of MPs before proceeding. “Liberal Democrats stood ready to assess the evidence and objectives for any action and, if it were properly planned and justified, to support a military response. “At this moment our thoughts are with British and allied troops. But the government’s decision fatally undermines the integrity of this mission. It shows a weak Government putting short term political expediency before democracy and in so doing further diminishing the standing of Britain in the world.” Nicola Sturgeon, the head of Scotland’s devolved government and leader of the Scottish National Party: “Air strikes by US and UK forces have not resolved the situation in Syria in the past and I am not persuaded they will do so now. “This action risks not just further escalating the civil war in Syria but also a dangerous escalation of international tensions. There must be urgent confirmation from the Prime Minister that there will be no further action and no change to the role of UK military in regards to Syria without a full parliamentary debate. “An international strategy is urgently required to bring peace and stability to the region. UK foreign policy should be aimed at reaching an international consensus not simply complying with Presidential wishes.” Published in Daily Times, April 15th 2018.