Syria: Hague says lack of military action would be 'alarming'

William Hague gave warning of an "alarming moment in the affairs of the world" on Sunday if no country is prepared to take military action over the poison gas attacks in Syria.

On the eve of a meeting in London with John Kerry, his American counterpart, Mr Hague said that America was "disappointed" but "understanding" of Parliament's decision to stop Britain from joining any such campaign.

But the Foreign Secretary cautioned other countries against following the lead of the Commons. He implicitly urged the US Congress to give President Barack Obama the authority he wants for military strikes designed to deter Syria's regime from using chemical weapons.

"If it is decided in the various parliaments of the world that no-one will stand up to the use of chemical weapons and take any action about that, that would be a very alarming moment in the affairs of the world," said Mr Hague.

He added: "Allowing the spread and use of chemical weapons in the 21st century is an evil that we have to stand up to."

Mr Hague told the BBC that he was resolved to prevent parliament's decision on Syria from diminishing Britain's voice in world affairs. "I'm very determined that Britain won't matter less," he said. "We are a country that still moves the dial in world affairs."

David Cameron urged Mr Obama to respond with force to the poison gas attacks in Damascus on Aug 21. At the time, he did so from the position of a Prime Minister who was prepared to join a military campaign. But the vote in the Commons deprived Mr Cameron of the ability to deliver that help.

Mr Hague said that America remained committed to the "special relationship" nonetheless.

"Americans do understand - though they were disappointed - about the vote. We are a democracy and therefore we respect the outcome of that and actually they're very understanding of that. They're very committed to what we call the special relationship, which goes much deeper and broader in our economies, in our intelligence sharing, and so on."