What next for Syria? British politicians must push for peace in the region

“The eyes of the world are turning to Great Britain. We now have the moral leadership of the world”.

That’s what Aneurin Bevan proudly told Labour activists not long after the creation of the NHS in 1948. Labour’s greatest Health Secretary often spoke about the moral lead Britain needed to give, both when it came to its own people and on the international stage. He insisted Britain had a distinct message for the world, and implored Britain to play a more vigorous part in the diplomatic arena.

Sixty-five years later, and Bevan’s contributions have never been more relevant. After the House of Commons voted to rule out military action against Syria last month, Britain is reconceiving how it acts in the world, particularly in the Middle East. We have the chance to lead internationally through the strength of our moral commitments and the boldness of our diplomacy.

When it comes to Syria itself, the challenges are great. Over 100,000 have been killed, up to a third of the country has been displaced and reports of chemical weapons attacks are horrifying. Yet there is much the UK can still do.

While David Cameron’s decision to commit £52m more in humanitarian aid was commendable, we could have done more to ensure the international community turned well-meaning promises into cash commitments. At the G20, the Prime Minister should have dug in his heels and demanded leaders agreed a proper plan for dealing with aid shortfalls.

There is also much more Britain could do to promote a negotiated political settlement between the warring factions in Syria. Russia’s plan for the Assad regime to submit its chemical weapons programme to international control could be a positive step. But it must not allow Damascus and Moscow to knock plans for a global peace conference out of the headlines.

Britain must ensure UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi is given a re-affirmed mandate to pursue inclusive diplomacy with all sides, and Labour was right to call for the creation of a regional contact group – including Iran – as a precursor to a full summit.

The men and women of our military remain vital to maintaining international stability, and it would be rash to rule out anything at this stage. But the House of Commons’ recent decision is an opportunity to seize, not a crisis to brood over.

Now is the time for us to wield all the moral and diplomatic power we possess in the name of peace and security.

Tulip Siddiq is Labour’s PPC in Hampstead and Kilburn