MP for Leyton and Wanstead, John Cryer, did not take part in the parliamentary vote on military action in Syria as he was unable to return from a family holiday.

Mr Cryer expressed ‘regret’ that he could not secure a flight back to the UK in time to take part in the pivotal debate on Thursday.

He said: “I am afraid I was unable to get to the vote last Thursday as I was away for one week’s family holiday and could not get a flight home.

“I very much regret this but if there is a similar vote in future I will be in the opposition lobby.”
 

Mr Cryer said he would have voted against the government’s push for intervention against the Assad regime, which is accused of using chemical weapons against civilians.

He added: “We are being asked to support some form of indefinite and vague military action in response to an inspectors' report which is barely finalised and which hardly anyone has seen.

“No evidence has been produced as to who perpetrated the recent gas attack yet it seems we were about to intervene in a civil war without a UN resolution and without a clear basis.”

MPs rejected the government’s motion and UK involvement in military action has now been ruled out.