Cameron warns on Al-Qaeda fighters
The conflict in Syria is attracting and encouraging Al-Qaeda-linked fighters, David Cameron has told MPs.
The Prime Minister said Britain could “shape” the Syrian opposition through a review of the embargo on arming rebels, and that there was a "strategic imperative" to act.
"Syria is attracting and empowering a new cohort of Al-Qaeda-linked extremists," he told the Commons.
"There is a growing risk of instability spreading to Syria’s neighbours and a risk of drawing regional powers into direct conflict."
Mr Cameron said he had discussed the embargo on selling weapons to the Syrian rebels with other European leaders and indicated supplying weapons might be an option.
“It is right to look at the arms embargo, it is right to look at amending the arms embargo. It’s a debate that should be had,” he said.
“My concern is that if we, with others, aren’t helping to shape the opposition, it’s much more difficult for us to make the transition to a more peaceful Syria that we all want to see, including respect for minorities.”