May and Trump To Work Together On International Response To Suspected Syrian Chemical Attack

Both Theresa May and Donald Trump have agreed that the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged. 

The two leaders have agreed to work together on the international response to the suspected chemical attack in Syria last week.

This comes after the Prime Minister won the backing of her Cabinet for action to prevent their further use in Syria. 

Following a 2-hour emergency cabinet meeting, Downing Street said ministers had agreed it was "highly likely" Syrian President Bashar Assad was responsible for the attack on Saturday on the rebel-held town of Douma which reportedly left dozens dead.

A conversation between Mrs. May and President Trump followed this meeting and a statement was released saying that the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged and the UK would continue to work with the US and France to coordinate an international response.

It was expected that the conversation would then be followed by President Trump holding further talks with French president Emmanuel Macron on how to respond to events in Syria.

It is being reported by The Times that the largest US air and naval strike force since the 2003 Iraq war was said to be heading towards Syria, paving the way for strikes within the next three days.

Separate reports by US media said President Trump was considering striking eight Syrian targets, including two airfields, a research centre and a chemical weapons facility.

However, the statement released by Downing Street makes no reference to direct military action:

"The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons.They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response."

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused the Government of "waiting for instructions" from the US and that military intervention risks "escalating an already devastating conflict".

Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, spoke at the UN on Thursday and he said the top priority had to be to avert a wider war, and he didn't rule out the possibility of a US-Russia conflict:

"We hope that there will be no point of no return - that the US and their allies will refrain from military action against a sovereign state," 

"the danger of escalation is higher than simply Syria."

The Security Council scheduled another emergency meeting for Friday morning at Russia's request.