STROUD District MP David Drew has called for "clear evidence of what happened and who was responsible" before military action is taken in response to the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria last Saturday.

His statement comes as Theresa May was given the backing of her Cabinet for action to prevent further chemical weapon use in Syria.

Both Theresa May and Donald Trump have agreed that the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged and said there was a need "to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime", as they pledged to work together on the international response to the suspected chemical weapons attack.

David Drew MP for Stroud said: “The US and UK government’s approach is wrong.

"At the very least we need categorical and clear evidence of what happened and who was responsible, not innuendo and hints.

"This evidence must be shared with Parliament. Until and unless this happens, I am against any military action, as is Jeremy Corbyn.”

In response, 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".

Ministers have said it is "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 and that there was agreement around the Cabinet table that such actions should not go "unchallenged".

Mrs May and President Trump spoke hours after the meeting and reiterated the use of chemical weapons should not be tolerated.

The largest US air and naval strike force since the 2003 Iraq war was said to be heading towards Syria, according to reports in The Times, paving the way for strikes within the next three days.

Russia has been granted a request for the United Nations Security Council to meet on Friday for fresh discussions on the threat to international peace from air strikes on Syria.

The statement released by Downing Street after Thursday's Cabinet meeting made no direct reference to military action, but will be seen as a signal Britain would be prepared to join any US-led air strikes against the regime should the Americans decide to go ahead - putting it on a potential collision course with Assad's principal backer, Russia.

Historically, David Drew criticised Tony Blair for making a 'huge mistake' in backing the war in Iraq. "Mr Blair has got it badly wrong," said Mr Drew in 2003.

Facing questions at a debate in the Subscription Rooms over 15 years ago Mr Drew said he could not and would not back the then Prime Minister if he insisted on taking the country into an unjustifiable war.