In response to your request on Twitter for constituents' views on Syria, I wanted to make my voice heard on this pressing issue. In my view, there is insufficient evidence that a military strike on Syria will result in an improvement of the lot of the Syrian people. It will almost certainly result in deaths, no matter how 'surgical' the strikes, but will probably not topple the Assad regime and will certainly not bring stability or peace to the country.
At the moment, although it looks likely that chemical weapons have been used, it is unclear what type, or by whom. As there is currently a UN investigation under way, a rush to war before its findings are known would show a disturbing disregard for the evidence.
In my view, the most important consideration by far in assessing whether to intervene is: What will be the impact on the Syrian people? It is far from clear to me that Western missile strikes on Syria would be in their interests. Until that question is settled definitively or beyond reasonable doubt, it is morally pretty repulsive to consider our own interests, but for the record such an intervention doesn't even seem to do much for anyone in Britain, beyond assuaging those wringing their hands and exclaiming, "But surely we have to do something!" Making David Cameron (or for that matter Barack Obama) appear strong and decisive is an aim that the Conservative Party is welcome to pour funds into; Cruise missiles should not be put to that use.
At best, the conflict would return to 'normal' with no improvements on the ground. But there might also be retaliation and escalation, a spillover into Turkey and Lebanon and an increase in tension between the West and Russia (not to mention Iran). The possibility of being drawn into a protracted and complex conflict also remains. This may not be the Government's intention, but Britain's confidence in our ability to avoid being embroiled in drawn-out conflicts has generally been shown to be a little inflated.
If the need to 'do something' is irresistible, I would be in favour of an increase in humanitarian aid to Syria - it desperately needs it and you can vote for any such move with my support.

Regards,

Nick Doody

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