A "BITTERLY disappointed" Douglas Chapman has rounded on Prime Minister Theresa May for giving the authority for British military action in Syria without first seeking the approval of parliament.

The Dunfermline and West Fife MP hit out after the UK joined American and French forces on Saturday in staging an early morning bombing of three Syrian government sites in response to a suspected chemical attack on the town of Douma.

The bombings were carried out despite pressure from the SNP for the PM to recall parliament so the UK’s participation in the ongoing conflict could be debated and that a clear exit strategy be put forward.

Mr Chapman, the SNP spokesperson for defence procurement, said: “I was bitterly disappointed when Theresa May took the decision upon herself to authorise military action in Syria last weekend without a parliamentary vote.

“These abhorrent chemical attacks on the Syrian people cannot be tolerated but an informed debate should have been held in parliament to discuss an appropriate course of action and to know what our proposed resolution to this conflict is supposed to be.”

Following SNP pressure, the UK Government agreed to an emergency debate on the issue.

During yesterday's debate, assurances were sought on any future British involvement in the war.

Mr Chapman added: “Polls show that the Prime Minister has failed to convince the British people of the need for such attacks and many seek a sustainable plan for peace rather than fuelling the fire of more conflict."