LONDON: Three Bangladesh-origin UK parliamentarians did not cast their votes in support of air strike in Syria though 66 Labour MPs backed the UK government in a bill to strike in the civil war-torn country.

After a 10-hour debate session in the House of Commons on Wednesday (local time), the motion moved by the Conservative Party of air attack in Syria passed in a 397-223 vote.

The Bangladesh-origin MPs, Rushanara Ali, Tulip Siddiq and Dr Rupa Huq, voted against the move.

Michael Dugher, the shadow secretary for culture, media and sports voted for the motion against his own party leader Jeremy Corbyn, the Leader of the Opposition.

Whereas, Dugher’s parliamentary secretary Tulip Siddiq, also granddaughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, voted against the air strike.

British Prime Minister David Cameron organized the debate and vote in the House of Commons for military action upon Islamic State (IS) in Syria to “keep the British people safe”.

But, criticizing the strategy, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn opined against the attack. However, 66 lawmakers, including 11 members of shadow ministry, from his party voted for the cause.

After the endorsement from the parliament, British foreign minister Phillip Hammond said, the air strike in Syria will be started on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Britain launched its first air strikes against so-called IS in Syria, reports the BBC.

The three Bangladesh-origin MP’s have been appreciated by the Bangladeshi community and the commoners for their voting against the motion of air strike.

BDST: 1234 HRS, DEC 03, 2015
AIK/SR/RR