Voting with a heavy heart for UN sanctioned intervention in Libya

I spent a great deal of time over the week-end reflecting on my responsibility in Parliament this week.

I attended Monday’s debate on supporting the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya.

After listening to the majority of the debate, I decided with a heavy heart, to support the motion.

My decision was informed by the speeches of not only the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition but Sir Menzies Campbell and a fellow backbench MP Kris Hopkins of Keithley. 

Those speeches can be found through the below links:

The Prime Minister:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110321/debtext/110321-0001.htm#1103219000645

The Leader of the Opposition:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110321/debtext/110321-0002.htm#1103219000749

Sir Menzies Campbell:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110321/debtext/110321-0002.htm#1103219000790

Kris Hopkins:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110321/debtext/110321-0002.htm#1103219000800

I am reassured by the answers to questions provided by the Prime Minister that our involvement will be limited to the terms of the UN Resolution. The leadership of the mission will be transferred to NATO. Parliament will be kept regularly updated and we will have the opportunity to question the prime minister on a regular basis.

I will be watching closely to ensure that these commitments are honoured.

My continued support for our participation in the international effort in Libya is conditional upon those commitments.