BBC NEWS: Syria conflict: France to float tough UN resolution. Reuters: UK's David Cameron loses parliamentary vote on Syria action. MPs debate Syria after ministers drop quick vote on action. 29 August 2013Last updated at 17:16 ET A row has erupted over No 10's claim Labour is giving "succour" to Syria's regime by not backing the prime minister over military action there.
Labour is demanding an apology for what it describes as "infantile" comments. Downing Street is reported to be furious that Labour leader Ed Miliband has not backed David Cameron's motion paving the way for military strikes. Syria: Cameron and Obama discuss military options. 28 August 2013Last updated at 09:08 GMT The UK is expected to publish details on intelligence indicating Assad was behind the attack later David Cameron has discussed Syria with Barack Obama as Britain and the US consider intervention.
No 10 said the UK PM heard the "latest on US thinking" on the issue, ahead of a National Security Council meeting at midday and a Commons vote on Thursday. Mr Cameron has yet to decide the nature of the UK's response, the No 10 spokesman said, but it would be "legal and specific" to the chemical attack. The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned MPs not to rush any decision. The Most Reverend Justin Welby said the consequences of military action across the Muslim world were unpredictable with the impact on those not directly involved in fighting "beyond description and horrible". The Syrian government has blamed opposition fighters for the alleged chemical attack near Damascus on 21 August, in which hundreds of people are reported to have died.
In analysis: Analysis. Syria inaction would be alarming, says William Hague. 8 September 2013Last updated at 07:20 ET William Hague: Many parts of the UK' Syria strategy still in play It would be an "alarming moment" if military action was not taken over Syrian use of chemical weapons, Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.
MPs voted against intervention after the attack on civilians that the UK and US blames on the Syrian government, but the Assad regime blames on rebels. The US is trying to gather support for strikes, but no agreement was reached at last week's G20 summit. Mr Hague said a response was needed to "deter" chemical weapons use. "I do believe very strongly the world must stand up to the use of chemical weapons and there is a debate now taking place in the US Congress," Mr Hague told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show. "The risks of not doing so in my view are greater than the risks of doing so in a limited, proportionate and careful way.
" 'Not gung ho' France supports intervention but it wants to wait for a report by UN weapons experts before taking action. BBC NEWS: Syria crisis: Boris Johnson says new vote possible. UK has new Syria chemical evidence - David Cameron. 5 September 2013Last updated at 18:35 ET.
Reuters: France says it cannot act alone on Syria as U.S. hesitates. Reuters: Most French oppose attack on Syria and don't trust Hollande to do it - poll. France, the Unexpected New Hawk - Emma-Kate Symons. As the U.S. and Britain debate action, Hollande pushes for Syria strikes.
PARIS -- Britain backs out, the U.S. dithers and delays, but France stands ready to strike Damascus imminently, even without a parliamentary vote. Assumptions about special relationships and Gallic exceptions in military affairs are being turned on their heads in the Syria crisis. And Paris’s seemingly newfound hawkishness is impressing and confounding France’s veteran critics in Washington and in London. The sarcasm has been dripping off the pages of British newspapers, which mock the French as Uncle Sam’s new poodle. Against the odds, President François Hollande, who is renowned for his timidity on the domestic reform stage, has emerged as the surprise bellicose mascot of the free world. Today Hollande took time out from a press conference with German President Joachim Gauck to repudiate Bashar al-Assad’s direct threats against French interests outlined in the dictator’s interview with the Le Figaro newspaper.
CBS News: European leaders urge U.S. on Syria: Slow down.