However MPs voted on airstrikes – they must now hold the government to account

Britain is now at war with ISIL. At some point over the weekend that will cease to be a technical statement and become an on-the-ground reality. RAF jets will take part in airstrikes against the so-called Islamic State. In concert with the Iraqi army and Kurdish forces they will attempt to damage and drive back ISIL, stopping their otherwise relentless military gains. It is a tough but necessary task.

The vote in the Commons today was not a close one. Only 24 Labour MPs voted against the motion and one shadow minister resigned (Rushanara Ali, the now former Shadow Education Minister). Only 43 MPs voted against overall. As someone who believes that airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq are both justified and the correct course of action, I think the Commons has made the right decision.

But what they have not done today is make an easy decision.

Every MP who voted today – whether aye or noe – realises the consequences of their vote and their actions. Once the bombing begins, lives will be lost – and not all of them will be combatants. Even the most targeted and surgical bombing campaign risks the loss of civilian lives – and a campaign that takes place against an enemy as fast moving and nimble as ISIL will struggle to be either the most surgical or targeted.

Therefore it is incumbent upon Labour MPs and MPs of all stripes – both those who voted for airstrikes and those who opposed them – to hold the government to the highest possible standards during this conflict. Every effort must be taken to ensure that action is proportionate, minimises civilian casualties and is not counterproductive to the stated aims of the mission. And if/when further action needs to be taken in Syria (as I believe is inevitable and necessary) then the house must meet and vote on that too.

That will be a far harder decision and a more difficult vote to cast, but that decision now clearly lies with the Commons, not the PM alone.

MPs have made a difficult choice today – one that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. But they have made the right choice. Now their task is to make sure that the government are held to their words, as the bombs begin to fall.