Ministers agree ‘need for action’ in Syria

Downing Street says ministers have agreed the use of chemical weapons in Syria “must not go unchallenged”, but no mention has been made of any plans to use force. Nevertheless, BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg says she understands the UK is planning a “genuinely joint effort” with the US and France, rather than playing a supporting role. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, though, is accusing Theresa May of “waiting for instructions from Donald Trump”.

Across the Atlantic the language – via Twitter at least – has softened somewhat. After tweeting on Wednesday that Russia should “get ready” because missiles “will be coming” towards its ally Syria, President Trump appeared to row back, saying he had “never said when” an attack would come, and it “could be very soon or not so soon at all”.

The third key Western leader, French President Emmanuel Macron, has been bullish, insisting he has “proof” that the Syrian government attacked Douma with chemical weapons, killing dozens. The BBC’s Lucy Williamson, in Paris, says strength in matters like this is an important part of the president’s bid to project French influence around the world.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting later to discuss the crisis, but Moscow’s UN envoy has said he “cannot exclude” the possibility of a war between Russia and the US. What could Western military intervention achieve and what assets do the key players in the Syria crisis have?