Talking tough: Russia’s president Vladimir Putin (Picture: Reuters)

David Cameron failed to win the support of Russian leader Vladimir Putin as military intervention with Syria inched closer.

During a difficult phone call, the prime minister was warned that action by Britain and other allies would only make the civil war worse.

Mr Cameron explained there was ‘little doubt’ the Assad regime was behind an apparent chemical weapons attack last week.

But Mr Putin insisted there was no evidence of whether it had taken place or who was responsible.


Barack Obama and David Cameron have stepped up their rhetoric around the Syria situation (Picture: EPA)

The diplomatic row came as UN inspectors had to wait five days to visit the scene of the attack, which reportedly killed 1,300 people.



Mr Cameron said the delay suggested the Assad regime had something to hide. The US said the visit was ‘too late to be credible’.

Russia continues to supply arms to the Syrian government. It has also vetoed attempts by the UN Security Council to use force.

Foreign secretary William Hague said the conflict could have ended ‘a long time ago’ if Russia had not blocked the proposals. But he believes targeted missile strikes could take place without Moscow’s vote.

He added: ‘Is it possible to respond to chemical weapons without complete unity on the UN Security Council? I would argue it is.

‘Otherwise, it might be impossible to respond to such outrages, to such crimes, and I do not think that is an acceptable situation.’

UN weapons inspectors were shot at by snipers (Picture: Reuters)

His Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, said the country has ‘no plans to go to war with anyone’.

He also insisted that use of force outside the UN Security Council would be ‘a crude violation of the international law’ as in the war in Iraq.

MPs will be told today if there will be a recall of parliament over the crisis, six days before the summer recess is due to end.

Politicians from all parties have warned they must be allowed to vote if Britain’s involvement in the Syrian crisis escalates.

MORE: UN convoy travelling to site of alleged chemical weapons attack near Damascus in Syria comes under sniper fire