The British government has lost a crucial House of Commons vote on possible military action against Syria following President Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons.

Prime Minister David Cameron's government was defeated by 13 votes.

"I get it, the British parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want military action" Cameron said.

Earlier Cameron accused the Opposition Labour Party of "giving succour" to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, after the opposition party made clear it would not support an imminent military strike against Syria.

The vote came just hours after the British government sent fighter jets to the British military base in Cyprus, 100km from Syria.

Cameron said he would respect the will of Parliament. 

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