SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson has warned the UK Government not to repeat the “past mistakes” of military intervention in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan when it comes to Syria.
The Moray MP also accused the Tories of having no policy to help Syrian refugees who have made it to Europe.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Robertson pointed to the “very severe unintended consequences” of the last three major military interventions.
He went on: “The Taliban sadly again control much of Afghanistan, in Iraq the fanatics of Daesh (Isil) terrorise about half of the country, in Libya, there has been total anarchy and civil unrest.
“What assurances can you give that you have learnt lessons from past mistakes and you will not repeat them?”
Mr Cameron pointed to the consequences of non-intervention in Syria – the vast numbers of people fleeing and the chemical weapon attacks by president Bashar al-Assad.
He listed the establishment of the National Security Council, the attendance of the attorney general at all important meetings and the importance of working with local partners as examples of lessons learned.
Pressing the PM in his second question, Mr Robertson said it was unsurprising there was growing scepticism about the “growing drumbeat” towards war in Syria.
Mr Cameron dismissed the idea Britain was not helping, highlighting its position as the second largest bilateral donor to Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
He added: “It’s all very well standing on your high horse and lecturing about the past.
“Would you be happier with an Afghanistan that had a Taliban regime and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan? Would you be happier with Gaddafi running Libya?”