Britain is effectively out of any attack on Syria.  MPs voted to reject possible military action against the Bashar al-Assad regime in retaliation for the use of chemical weapons.

Cameron had argued that it would be legal under humanitarian doctrine to launch air strikes against Syria even without authorization from the United Nations Security Council.  He even met Labor Party critics halfway by writing the motion to approve military force if it was supported by evidence from United Nations weapons inspectors who are looking into 21 August chemical weapon attack on the suburbs east of Damascus.

But the PM’s motion was defeated 285 to 272, a majority of just 13 votes.  Cameron reiterated his belief that military intervention was necessary; but he said it was clear Parliament does not want action, based on the views of the British people, and said “the government will act accordingly.”

It’s a striking blow to the authority of Prime Minister Cameron, who some critics are saying should have known that he didn’t have the votes to pass the motion.