MP Stella Creasy has explained why she voted against UK military intervention in Syria.

The government was defeated on Thursday after MPs rejected a motion to act against the Assad regime, which is believed to have used chemical weapons against civilians.

And Miss Creasy said she believed it was right to give United Nations weapon inspectors more time to investigate the chemical attack in Damascas before deciding on what action to take.

In a statement she said: “I voted against their motion and for Labour's alternative to give the UN inspectors more time to investigate the matter prior to further consideration of any form of intervention.

“I was troubled by the confusion as to the Government's strategy and discrepancies regarding their intentions.”

Miss Creasy also said she had been contacted by her Walthamstow constituents over the issue.

“Many local residents have been in touch with me, both to express their horror at these events and concerns the Government wished to act against the Assad regime for these atrocities without seeking appropriate legal and international consent or evidence for such an intervention," she added.

“I know many Walthamstow residents remain concerned about the human rights of the Syrian people- and I share their view that protecting them should be our primary concern in the days ahead as the international community considers its next steps.”

The Labour motion was also defeated and government has said the UK will not be involved in any military action in Syria.