Even before this horrendous chemical attack in Salisbury, this Government has been following a dangerous and aggressive line of rhetoric and action that will inevitably escalate conflict between the UK and Russia. In the context of the Syrian War, where Britain and Russia are supporting opposing sides in a proxy war[1], the majority of the casualties of this escalation will likely be Syrian.
This Constituency Labour Party believes that the line taken by the Labour Leadership, to require evidence of Russian involvement before taking action is correct but we must go further. Escalating conflict MUST be ruled out, regardless of the origin of the attack. The Government and Labour must not fight fire with fire, it must stop and choose a path that leads to peace rather than one that taken to it's conclusion, will end in war[2].
This Constituency Labour Party therefore calls on the Prime Minister, Theresa May, for restraint and de-escalation in words and actions towards Russia, and must stop military drills and exercises intended to intimidate[3][4].
[1] Section 63. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmdfence/106/106.pdf
[2] "Russia says U.S. plans to strike Damascus, pledges military response" https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-usa/russia-says-u-s-plans-to-strike-damascus-pledges-military-response-idUKKCN1GP0U4
[3] "British troops arrive in Estonia to deter Russian aggression in one of biggest deployments to region in decades " https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/18/british-troops-arrive-estonia-deter-russian-aggression-one-biggest/
[4] Artic Navy Exercises https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/incredible-moment-huge-british-navy-submarine-bursts-through-arctic-ice-amid-rising-tensions-with-a3792471.html
MP Chris Williamson saying Labour "Moderates" want to go to war https://twitter.com/chunkymark/status/974356660243353600