Jeremy Corbyn backs down on Syria bombing vote

Britain’s opposition Labour Party said its lawmakers could vote according to their consciences on air strikes against militants in Syria, a move which could hand prime minister David Cameron the parliamentary majority he needs.

Cameron believes it is time to join other Western powers in bombing Islamic State, saying Britain could not subcontract its security to other countries after the group claimed responsibility for killing 130 people in Paris.

But he must persuade some sceptical members in his own ruling Conservative Party and others in Labour, which is deeply divided on the subject after its leader, veteran anti-war campaigner, Jeremy Corbyn said he was opposed to the strikes.