Theresa May prepares Britain to launch assault on Assad regime in Syria
Theresa May has cleared the way for Britain to join a US-led military attack on Syria within days after national security advisers presented new evidence blaming President Assad for the “barbaric” gas attack in Douma.
The prime minister is recalling cabinet ministers from their Easter break to seek approval today. She is set to defy calls, including from Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, to follow recent convention and allow MPs a vote.... Senior ministers summoned to this afternoon’s emergency cabinet will be asked to “consider the next steps”, according to a Downing Street source. Mrs May is likely to make the case for military action on the basis that it is necessary to deter future gas attacks......
Royal Navy attack submarines, armed with cruise missiles, are understood to be moving into range from this evening to be ready to take part in a strike on Syria. A Type 45 destroyer is also in the Mediterranean on a routine deployment but could be manoeuvred to participate.
HMS Duncan is fitted with an air defence missile system able to blast incoming Russian missiles. RAF fast jets operating from Cyprus are also ready for action. “We have planes on the tarmac in Akrotiri,” a Whitehall source said. “We are ready.”.....