MP Mark Pawsey voted in favour of the UK taking military action in Syria.
MPs voted by 397 votes to 223 for UK action after a ten-hour Commons debate on Wednesday (December 2).
Soon after the resounding vote in favour of air strikes against so-called Islamic State targets in Syria, RAF Tornado jets had taken off from their base in Cyprus to carry out their first mission.
It is the second time the Rugby and Bulkington MP has voted in favour of action, after agreeing with a Government motion in 2013 which called for airstrikes in Syria. The motion was defeated by 285 to 272 votes.
The UK has joined other countries including France, the US and Russia in bombing IS targets.
Mr Pawsey said it was in the national interest to take action.
He said: “I recognise that military action alone will not defeat Daesh (Islamic State). The Government is working with our international partners in the region and Britain is the second largest provider of aid to Syria. The Government will also provide at least a further £1 billion for post-conflict reconstruction to support a new Syrian Government.
“The decision to use our armed forces is not one that I, or any of my colleagues from all sides of the House, take lightly. However, throughout our history, the United Kingdom has stood up against tyrants, bullies and barbaric regimes. We can, and we must, do so again.”
Rugby Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) spokesperson Pete McLaren said revenge was not the answer.
He said: “British bombing of Syria would mean more misery for ordinary people of the Middle East, with more resentment leading to more terrorism.
“We must address the issue of why increasing numbers of often-young people want to join such a cause.
“We have already asked local MP Mark Pawsey to explain why there appears to be a direct correlation between the increased western attacks on Islamic countries since 2003 and the increasing acts of terrorism throughout the world. So far, he has ignored that vital part of our concerns.”
Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright – who, as Attorney General, will have been advising the government of the legality of the strikes – also voted for military action in Syria.
And Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White also backed the air strikes.
