How many Labour MPs will rebel over Iraq airstrikes?

The debate over airstrikes in Iraq against ISIL is ongoing this afternoon in the Commons. It’s clear that the motion will pass comfortably with the majority support of all the major parties. The relative lack of rebellion in the house is, in part, due to the careful wording of the motion – explicitly explaining the legal case for action in Iraq and ruling out action in Syria (or use of ground troops) without further debate in the house. But there will still be Labour rebels today, that much is clear. So how many should we expect?

Talking with Labour MPs and advisors this morning, the consensus is that a Labour rebellion consist of between 25 and 30 MPs, with relatively few surprises amongst the names. Indeed, three MPs (Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott) have signed a letter this morning opposing the action, and other names are beginning to circulate. The Labour rebels will likely want to contribute to the debate in the chamber this afternoon, so we’ll add to the list as the debate goes on. But 25 seems to be the number so far, and with no shadow ministerial resignations on the cards so far, that’ll be a rebellion that Miliband will be able to stomach.

UPDATE: It looks like Graham Allen MP for Nottingham North will be voting against air strikes. He just expressed some concerns over air strikes in the House and retweeted the following: