By Ian Murray (Editor)

Southern Daily Echo – 16 May 2013

Sage words this week in the House of Commons from local MP Dr Julian Lewis. The representative for New Forest East used the debate on the Queen’s Speech to question British policy in Syria.

An expert on defence, Dr Lewis asked if it was wise – or if Britain had anything to gain – by arming the rebels who are fighting against the admittedly rather nasty regime headed by President Assad. Was it sensible, he pointed out, to help replace one bunch of rogues with an even nastier bunch who might then use the regime’s huge stockpile of chemical weapons against targets in the west – which means us.

He speaks sense. In the rush to help ease President Assad into – erm – retirement, we might just shoot ourselves in the vitals.