Sir – UN resolution 2249 “calls upon member states that have the capacity to do so to take all necessary measures” against ISIL. It is to be welcomed.

To quote the resolution, ISIL “constitutes a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and security”. The horrific attacks on France, Lebanon and elsewhere show this.

Talk has been of a vote in the Commons committing the UK to an aerial bombardment of ISIL positions in Syria. But before this vote takes place there are a number of questions that the Government has to answer: What is the aim of this bombing campaign?

If it is to bring about or facilitate the destruction of ISIL, then the Government needs to answer another question: What if the bombing does not bring this about?

What are we prepared to commit to in order to bring about the destruction of ISIL? What is being done to get co-operation from countries like Saudi Arabia, who have been accused of funding ISIL?

And what happens to Syria? Is there a plan for what comes after that will bring peace and stability to the country?

Sean Woodcock
Labour councillor
Cherwell District Council