JEREMY Corbyn had wanted the Labour Party to adopt a policy of opposition to air strikes in Syria – but he is rapidly discovering that leadership is not as straight-forward as that.

It is certainly not that straight-forward when it comes to a decision as momentous and complex as going to war. Throughout the country, people are divided over whether to bomb or not to bomb, with many simply unsure about what is the right strategy.

In the end, Mr Corbyn has had to give way on his bid for party opposition and grant Labour MPs a free vote. He was left with no choice because resignations would have followed a party directive and his leadership would have been in tatters before it had really begun.

Meanwhile, David Cameron will continue to try to build support for the extension of air strikes from Iraq to Syria and, while we fully acknowledge the difficulty of the decision, the Prime Minister's case still needs strengthening.

If we are to join in the bombing of Syria, it must be accompanied by a clear strategy of what happens after the bombing has stopped. How can we be sure it will not make the threat even bigger? How will a longer-term solution be developed?

If we learned anything from Iraq, it is that the use of force to remove a murderous regime is not enough – it must be backed up by a solid plan for the years which follow.

In that context, we support Mr Corbyn's call for a two-day Commons debate to be held ahead of any vote. If we must go to war, we must not cut corners on debate and consideration. Time must be given for as many voices as possible – representing the views of the British people as fully as possible – to be heard.