RAF bombing missions on Daesh targets in Syria were yesterday condemned by members of the Scottish Parliament.

A debate rejecting the air attacks took place in the main chamber in Holyrood prompted by a motion put down earlier this month by the Independent MSP John Wilson.

The former SNP MSP, who is standing for the Scottish Greens at next year’s Holyrood elections, said bombing Daesh targets in Syria would not lead to peace in the region.

“The idea that further bombing in the Middle East can bring about a peaceful resolution to the situation in Syria and elsewhere is utter nonsense,” he said.

“If bombing really worked as suggested, Iraq and Syria would be among the most peaceful countries in the world. They have been repeatedly bombed, cities have been destroyed, countless civilians have died, yet we’re told the threat from terrorism is bigger today than it has ever been.”

Wilson condemned the haste with which the British attacks began following the Commons vote.

He said: “British planes began bombing Syria mere hours after the Commons’ vote was carried, demonstrating a desire to be seen to be amongst the big boys, and play to delusions of grandeur, rather than offer any credible solution to the problems that exist there.”

Wilson called for the need for a political settlement in helping to bring an end to the war in Syria and highlighted progress that was being made in the Vienna peace talks.