LIVE BLOG: British MPs vote on launching air strikes in Syria
- Thousands of protesters marched on parliament Tuesday calling on MPs to vote against extending air strikes to Syria
- Commons looks set to vote in favour of airstrikes despite rebellions
- David Cameron criticised for branding opponents of airstrikes "terrorist sympathisers".
- YouGov polls show only 48 percent of UK public back airstrikes
Photo: AFP
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A survey by YouGov has found that less than half of the British public now support joining airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria.
A YouGov opinion poll last week found that 59 percent approved of Britain joining air strikes in Syria, compared to 20 percent who disapproved, but a survey published on Wednesday showed only 48 percent approved with 31 percent against.
Prime Minister David Cameron has called for the UK to bomb Islamic State-held territory in Syria. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn remains unconvinced by the prime minister’s arguments for another war in the Middle East.
However, pressure from senior members of his party has forced Corbyn to allow Labour MPs an independent choice whether to back or oppose British bombs being dropped on Syria.
Late on Tuesday, thousands of demonstrators gathered in central London to show their opposition to bombing Syria.
Some 4,000 protesters marched from the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to the headquarters of Cameron's Conservative party and the main opposition Labour party nearby.
Is Corbyn right to allow Labour MPs a free choice whether to vote for or against Syria air strikes? Middle East Eye asked protesters gathered outside of the Houses of Parliament for their views.