James Forsyth James Forsyth

After Labour’s Syria shambles, step forward Major Dan

This former paratroop officer would be an instant fix to Labour’s damaged reputation for patriotism and willingness to keep the country safe

issue 05 December 2015

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[/audioplayer]It makes no sense for Britain to bomb Islamic State in Iraq but not Syria. Attacking a group that does not respect international borders on only one side of a border makes no strategic or military sense. From the Prime Minister down, government ministers are acutely aware of this absurdity. That is why they have been so keen to gain the Commons’ permission to extend the strikes to Syria.

Yet this week Westminster has been gripped, not by the strategic case for taking the fight to Islamic State in Syria, but by the effect that this debate has had on the Labour party. Unprecedented is an over-used word in political coverage; very few things are without precedent. But there really is no precedent for the Labour party’s current state.

It is far worse than Labour not having a position.

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