Syria crisis: Cameron still wants 'robust response'

A "robust response" to the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria is needed despite UK military involvement being ruled out, the prime minister has said.

David Cameron was speaking after MPs rejected a motion on the principle that military action could be required to protect Syrian civilians.

He said: "Parliament I think made a very clear view which is it doesn't want British involvement in military action so we will proceed on that basis."

Despite the result of the vote the US said it would continue to seek a coalition for military intervention.

And France said the vote did not change its resolve on the need to act.

Russia - which has close ties with the Assad government - welcomed the UK's rejection of a military strike.