Síria: Londres não vai atacar

British MPs have voted to reject possible military action against the Assad regime in Syria to deter the use of chemical weapons. A government motion was defeated by 285 to 272, a majority of 13 votes. Prime Minster David Cameron said it was clear Parliament does not want action and "the government will act accordingly". It effectively rules out British involvement in any US-led strikes against the Assad regime. And it comes as a potential blow to the authority of David Cameron, who had already watered down a government motion proposing military action, in response to the opposition Labour Party's demands for more evidence of Assad's guilt. Labour had seen its own amendment - calling for "compelling" evidence - rejected by MPs by 114 votes. PM 'disappointed' But - in an unexpected turn of events - MPs also rejected the government's motion in support of military action in Syria if it was supported by evidence from United Nations weapons inspectors, who are investigating claims President Bashar al-Assad's regime had used chemical weapons against civilians. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed that Britain would not be involved in any military action against the Assad regime - but said it would probably go ahead in any case. "I expect that the US and other countries will continue to look at responses to the chemical attack. "They will be disappointed that Britain will not be involved. I don't expect that the lack of British participation will stop any action." He said he and the prime minister were "disappointed" with the result of the Commons vote which he said would harm Britain's relationship with Washington. "It's certainly going to place some strain on the special relationship. "The Americans understand the Parliamentary process. Perhaps they have been surprised by the scale of opposition." BBC