Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas has tabled a motion in Parliament calling for an International Criminal Court investigation into war crimes in Syria.
The Green Party co-leader believes that Russian president Vladimir Putin and Syrian president Bashar al Assad should be called to account for the actions of their military forces.
Having opposed British military intervention in Syria last year, she is calling on the British government “to impose far-reaching sanctions on any countries found to be involved in war crimes in Syria”.
Her “early day motion”, which she tabled today, notes the “unspeakable suffering of the Syrian people” and applauds the aid agencies and workers “helping to alleviate the humanitarian crisis”.
She said: “The despicable actions of Putin and Assad’s forces in Syria must be condemned and both of their governments should be investigated by the International Criminal Court. Their actions in Aleppo are war crimes and they must be held to account.
“At the same time it’s crucial that Britain adopts a coherent foreign policy. It is clearly inconsistent to blame Russia for creating havoc in the region while we continue to sell arms to the Saudi Arabian government who are themselves committing war crimes in Yemen.
“We must also take further action to end the horror in Syria, from redoubling diplomatic efforts to imposing far-reaching sanctions on those who bomb civilian targets.”
Like most early day motions, it is unlikely to be debated. The motions are a way for MPs to highlight an issue and ask their colleagues to show their support.
