Jeremy Corbyn urges Theresa May to take in more refugees after Syria strike

Jeremy Corbyn has written to Prime Minister Theresa May, claiming that last night’s air strikes on Syria were “legally questionable” and urging her to commit to taking more refugees.

It follows his initial reaction to the bombing, when he was joined by Vince Cable and Nicola Sturgeon in questioning the Prime Minister’s decision to move forward without a parliamentary vote.

He said that the government should now increase its commitment to taking in additional refugees, and slammed the “grotesque spectacle” of geopolitical battles in which the Syrian people are “used as pawns”.

“The refugee crisis places a responsibility on all countries and I [hope] the government will now increase its commitment to take additional refugees,” he wrote. “Hundreds of unaccompanied children remain in Europe and the UK must do more through the Dubs amendment.”

Corbyn also asked for the legal advice given to the Attorney General regarding the attack to be published, and called for Britain to work towards a ceasefire.

“I would welcome your assurance that Britain will embark on renewed diplomatic efforts to end this conflict,” he wrote. “Our only priority must be the safety and security of the Syrian people – which is best served by de-escalating this conflict, so that aid can get in.”

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