A large number of Conservative MPs are yet to be persuaded by the coalition's case for military action in Syria. Here is what some of them had to say on the matter:

Peter Luff, Mid Worcestershire

"I am yet to hear a compelling case that military action would be for the best."

Gerald Howarth, Aldershot

"I think we've got to be very careful about military intervention all around the world … Are we going to be at risk of having our hand caught in the mangle?"

Zac Goldsmith, Richmond Park

"Thursday's debate and vote will be enormously difficult. Heart says we must do something … head says that would be utter madness."

Tracey Crouch, Chatham & Aylesford

"I am extremely reluctant to support British interference in this way. I fear it is fraught with danger, not least because of the relative unknowns raging within the country."

Andrew Bingham, High Peak

"I would be very reluctant to support any military intervention in Syria. Happy to listen to reasoning but still very sceptical."

Bob Blackman, Harrow East

"We need to be cautious on Syria. What is the threat to British interests? What proof that the Assad government have used chemical weapons?"

Adam Holloway, Gravesend

"Reaction to horror is not a strategy … I don't know what the end state to this reaction is and, apart from remaining with our dear friends the Americans, I don't know what the UK national security interest is."

Andrew Bridgen, North West Leicestershire

"I and many colleagues will want to debate what plans the government have for the aftermath of any military strike, and assess whether it is in our national interest to become embroiled in this potential conflict. There is a deep scepticism amongst many MPs, given the outcome of previous interventions in the Middle East."

David TC Davies, Monmouth

"I don't think we have any clear idea of what would happen next."

John Redwood, Wokingham

"We do need persuading that there is any military intervention which the UK could make which would make it better. The first instruction should be to do no harm, in a situation fraught with danger and with all too many armed groups in conflict."

Cheryl Gillan, Chesham & Amersham

"Recall [of parliament] essential as no UK intervention in Syria should take place without positive vote from Parliament but I and many others have great doubts."

Sarah Wollaston, Totnes

"[The] Syria motion buries an endorsement for military action inside an over-long & blindingly obvious essay. It reads like an entrapment."

John Baron, Basildon & Billericay

"I think it's going to be closer about this than it was about Iraq. There are more misgivings about this than there were over Libya or other conflicts."

Guy Opperman, Hexham

"I see no plan as yet and more importantly, no strategy and exit. As always, you have to ask whether by getting involved, we make things worse not better … I can say, at the moment, that I am not in favour of any military action."

Nick de Bois, Enfield North

"I am troubled that a military 'something must be done' response does not carry the full support of military experts on both sides of the Atlantic".

Philip Davies, Shipley

"I don't know what the motion is. I will listen to the debate but I am not persuaded of case for military action."

Adam Afriyie, Windsor

"We must do our bit to support international humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, but the country does not want another overseas military intervention."

David Burrowes, Enfield Southgate

"I am very reluctant to approve the use of British weapons or military in Syria and would need an extremely compelling case to be made to change my mind."

Daniel Kawczynski, Shrewsbury & Atcham

"People are very upset with the images from television of children suffering in the conflict. But people are very torn about the prospect of Britain being involved again in an overseas conflict... The wording of the motion is absolutely crucial. It will have to refer to the UN."

Douglas Carswell, Clacton

"Am genuinely undecided about Syria vote: shrill, angry emails telling me what I must do diminish the case on either side."

Oliver Colvile, Plymouth Sutton & Devonport

We have got to be very, very careful before we decide we want to go down this route."

David Davis, Haltemprice & Howden

"I cannot see a clear outcome."

Andrew Percy, Brigg & Goole

"At the [time of signing a letter urging parliamentary debate on Syria], I was very strongly of the view that we should not involve ourselves in this issue. I am still very nervous of any British involvement in this conflict."

Andrew Turner, Isle of Wight

"We need to be sure of the facts and what the objectives of intervention are. We also need to know what resources would be needed and how we would plan to deal with any wider consequences. At the moment I am not convinced that any of those questions have been answered satisfactorily."

Conor Burns, Bournemouth West

"I'm struggling to resolve my thinking on intervention in Syria."

Dan Byles, North Warwickshire & Bedworth

"We need to know more. I want to hear the views of the UN inspectors … I (as a former military officer myself) am cautious on this."

Mark Field, Cities of London & Westminster

"There is no convincing route available to [David Cameron] that can stem the humanitarian disaster that is unfolding in the Middle East. There is no clear benefit to the UK of involving ourselves further in this bloody quagmire."