After Losing the Parliamentary Debate on Syria, Should David Cameron Resign?

For the first time since 1782, a British Prime Minister failed to carry a war motion through the House of Commons. David Cameron’s failure to win a parliamentary motion to attack Syria is huge, particularly since the motion to go to war was not supported by his party or by the British people. Should the prime minister resign, considering these recent events? No, David Cameron should not resign after this loss, and here are three reasons why he should stay at his post as prime minister.

It’s a Setback, Not a Scandal

Losing the parliamentary debate was a huge blow to Cameron’s political influence, as he can’t deliver on his promise to help the U.S in the event of an invasion. Cameron also tried to push the issue before the United Nations finished their analysis of the August 21 attack, which made many in Parliament weary of repeating their mistakes in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, it’s a setback and a misstep in leadership at best, and it’s one of the few in Cameron’s career. The loss strengthens and unites his political opposition, but that’s a reason not to resign instead of one to step down. If Cameron did choose to resign, then it would look like he’s someone who can’t handle defeat or any sort of resistance. It gives the political opposition strength, especially since they came out on top of this debacle. David Cameron should not resign, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to.

His G20 ‘Small Island’ Reaction is Fine

This past Wednesday, during the G20 summit, a Russian official said to that Great Britain was “just a small island no one pays attention to.” Within 24 hours, Cameron defended his country in front of the British press in St. Petersburg, saying that few other nations had “a prouder history, a bigger heart or greater resilience”. His speech has been praised as well as criticized. Stephen Moss of the Guardian argues that Cameron’s speech and reaction was overly grandiose and full of holes regarding the country’s history and accomplishments. Moss concludes:

In this case, a response is better than no response, even if no one from the Russian diplomacy takes credit for the insult. It also wouldn’t have been great leadership on Cameron’s part of he agreed with Moss and said, “The United Kingdom really isn’t all that special.” Albeit a somewhat frivolous one, it was a moment where Cameron needed to demonstrate leadership and support for his country, especially it happened just days after the losing the parliamentary debate, and he delivered. If anything, Cameron’s speech is a reason for him to continue serving as prime minister.

Resigning Wouldn’t Accomplish Anything

Resigning would be a horrible idea in this political climate anyway. As the international community decides what to do about Syria, Britain’s leadership and input is needed more than ever, and Cameron’s resignation would make that difficult. Even though the war motion didn’t pass, the government has not ruled out cooperating with the international community. Parliamentarians just didn’t want to repeat their Iraq mistake, and they didn’t want to rush into military intervention without the UN analysis. A change in the guard would not be the best since it would hinder Britain’s ability to accomplish anything or to cooperate with anyone.

Also, senior Tories have suggested that Cameron ought to appoint a party chairman because what Cameron and his party needs right now is a strong decision maker in the inner circle. Recent events transpired because Cameron and his inner circle failed to consider the possibility that the House of Commons wouldn’t pass a war motion. If resignation would have been best for this political climate and for this situation, senior Tories and other influential officials would be calling for it. However, they see this as the setback as it is and recognize the possibility, and the need, for Cameron to move forward and to make things right with strong, considerate leadership.

In conclusion, David Cameron should not resign. The mishap of losing the Parliamentary debate on Syria is not enough to justify it, and even if some see it this way, it’s really not the best time for a power vacuum. Bigger issues are at stake here, and Cameron is needed as prime minister to make progress and to ensure Britain participates with the international community in handling the Syria conflict.