Hague urged to explain legal basis for Syrian intervention

William Hague has been challenged over whether the Government has sought legal advice over possible military intervention in Syria.

Richard Ottaway, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, asked the Foreign Secretary to confirm that Parliament would be given time to debate any offer of military support to Syrian rebels.

Calling on Mr Hague to explain the “international legal basis” for sending UK forces to Syria, Mr Ottaway said in a letter to the Foreign Office that MPs had expressed “grave concerns” over the “value, legitimacy and legality” of intervening in the country’s civil war.

Mr Ottaway’s letter follows an exclusive report in The Independent last month which revealed that the head of Britain’s armed forces, General Sir David Richards, hosted a meeting in London attended by military chiefs from six nations.

The private gathering discussed possible military training for rebels fighting the regime.