Local MPs have explained the reasons behind their votes on the big Syrian airstrikes debate.

Out of our five local MPs, two voted for, two against and one abstained following a late night vote on Wednesday in the House of Commons.

MPs voted by 397 votes to 223 to extend UK airstrike action against IS to the country following a 10-hour debate over a motion put forward by the Government.

The first bombs were dropped by four RAF Tornado jets on Thursday morning on the IS-controlled Omar oil fields in eastern Syria.

Air strikes have been on going in Iraq since September 2014.

Barry Sheerman, Labour MP for Huddersfield, decided to vote against the motion.

He said: “I am increasingly convinced that these interventions have not turned out as promised by previous Prime Ministers.

“Civilians have borne the appalling burden of conflict with little strategic, long-term gain to show for this sacrifice.

READ MORE:Syria airstrikes: How did your MP vote? Find out with our tool

“I am absolutely committed to taking on terrorism in the most vigorous way possible but I do not believe the Government policies will do this.”

Jason McCartney, Conservative MP for Colne Valley, voted with the government after listening to the entire debate.

He said: “I voted with MPs across parties because there is a clear UN mandate to tackle Daesh in their safe haven.

“Some people say it will make us more of a target but Daesh don’t hate us for what we do but for who we are.

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“The RAF has been striking IS in Iraq and have not stated any civilian casualties in their reports as our army is careful with what it targets.”

Paula Sherriff, Labour MP for Dewsbury, voted against the motion. She said: “The Prime Minister failed to convince me that pursuing air strikes in Syria is part of a longer-term and comprehensive strategy.

“I am deeply saddened that the vote passed. I do however respect the decision of my fellow MPs whose views differed to mine.”

Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP for Calder Valley, also voted for the airstrikes.

He said: “We are not talking about people we can negotiate with– they are murderers, rapists and anything we can do to give our Government to bolster its arsenal is good.

“I think the displacement of Syrians and attacks is because of our inaction two years ago, when we voted to not bomb Assad.”

Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, abstained from the vote after hearing opinions from constituents, experts, Syrians and MPs.

She said: “Weighing up what to do was among the hardest things I have had to do.

“As part of an integrated strategy for Syria they (airstrikes) are almost certainly a necessary part.

“But airstrikes are a tactic not a strategy and outside a strategy I fear they will fail.

“The focus on the other elements of the Prime Ministers strategy are too weak.”