Evening Standard/London
Labour MPs are to be offered a free vote on David Cameron’s proposals for air strikes against the Islamic State terror group in Syria.
It is understood that leader Jeremy Corbyn will make it clear that the party’s official policy is to oppose the military action, but will not impose a whip directing them to vote against.
The party’s press office declined to comment on a Guardian report that Corbyn had agreed the deal during talks with deputy leader Tom Watson and other senior shadow cabinet members over the weekend.
But a senior source confirmed that a free vote would be offered, as the shadow cabinet gathered in Westminster to discuss an issue which has exposed rifts in the party.
A free vote would clear the way for Cameron to call a vote on air strikes as early as tomorrow with confidence that he will obtain the “clear majority” which he has said is needed.
But it is thought that Corbyn may appeal for the prime minister to delay a vote while the concerns of Labour MPs are dealt with.
Corbyn has written to Cameron urging him to allow a full two days of debate.
In his letter, the Labour leader said: “In the view of the opposition on a matter of such critical importance there must be full and adequate time for any debate in the house and only a full two-day debate would ensure time for all members who wish to participate to be able to do so.
“As has happened previously a one-day debate would inevitably lead to important contributions being curtailed. It is incumbent on us all to ensure the country feels there has been the fullest parliamentary discussion of what you have rightly described as a highly complex situation.”
Senior Conservative backbencher David Davis backed Corbyn’s “eminently sensible” call for a two-day debate.
“The decision to go to war is by definition a matter of life and death,” said the former shadow home secretary.
“If the government is seeking the authority of parliament to undertake such a policy it should do so on the basis of the best-informed, and most carefully considered, debate.
“It is perfectly possible to fit a two-day debate in before Christmas while also giving the relevant select committees the time to review the issue in detail.”
A Number 10 spokesman said discussions were under way within government on the wording of a draft motion - covering not only military action but also work on counter-extremism, the diplomatic and political process and the ongoing humanitarian effort - but stressed there was so far no timetable for it to be put before MPs.
Downing Street confirmed MPs from all sides of the house were being offered briefings on the government’s case for UK involvement in air strikes.
Shortly before the potentially-explosive meeting of the shadow cabinet, Labour released analysis of a survey of members apparently indicating overwhelming opposition to extending the RAF’s bombing campaign from Iraq into Syria.
The survey, ordered by Corbyn, received 107,875 responses, of which 64,771 were confirmed as full individual Labour Party members.
An initial analysis of 1,900 responses showed 75% opposed to bombing, 13% in favour of the air strikes and 11% undecided.
One of Corbyn’s closest allies in the shadow cabinet, Diane Abbott, said “the party as a whole” was opposed to bombing and “looking to Jeremy to show leadership”.
But Corbyn is facing the prospect of a rebellion by senior figures, including members of the shadow cabinet, if he tries to impose a party line.
Shadow international development secretary Abbott said: “I think it’s quite an evenly balanced argument. Jeremy doesn’t want resignations, he doesn’t want to lose valued colleagues.
“But the truth is we now know the party as a whole, in the country and even within the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party), is opposed to these bombings and they are looking to Jeremy to show leadership.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will not impose a whip.
