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<p>A UNSC resolution or the consent of a government are not the only potential bases
in international law for the use of force. Other legal bases would include: individual
or collective self-defence; and, in certain exceptional circumstances, in order to
avert an overwhelming humanitarian catastrophe. ISIL continue to pose a direct threat
to Iraq. They operate across the borders of Syria and Iraq, in a situation where the
Government of Syria is unable or unwilling to take effective action to counter the
threat posed by ISIL. Iraq has requested help to defend itself. The US have been clear
that in carrying out military actions in Syria they are acting on the basis of both
collective and individual self-defence. If the UK were to undertake military strikes
in Syria we would only do so on a sound legal basis and that would depend on the facts
on the ground at the time, for example in line with the US led international efforts
in collective self defence pursuant to the Iraqi request of 20 September. The Prime
Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), has been clear
that if the decision were made to take military action in Syria the government would
return to the House of Commons. However, if there were a critical British interest
at stake or there were the need to take urgent action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe
then it would be possible to order that and come straight to the House and explain
afterwards.</p>
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