MPs debate Syria after ministers drop quick vote on action

MPs are set to debate military action in Syria in principle only, after the government dropped plans for a speedy vote on British intervention. A Commons motion to be debated later states that a final vote on action should be held only after UN inspectors report on an alleged chemical attack, a statement issued by the office of the prime minister said Thursday. Labour had threatened to withdraw its support for the government's plans. Asked if ministers had backed down, the foreign secretary said it was necessary to proceed "on a consensual basis". "The motion that we're putting forward tomorrow reflects the prime minister's recognition of the deep concerns in this country over what happened over Iraq," William Hague also said. Earlier, the UK presented the UN with a draft resolution authorising "necessary measures" to protect Syrian civilians. The Syrian government has blamed opposition forces for a suspected chemical weapons attack near Damascus on August 21 in which hundreds of people are reported to have died.