Eight bombing sceptics explain their opposition to Isis air strikes

The eight people below represent a small section of those opposed to air strikes against Isis - also known as Isil and Islamic State - in Iraq, as approved by British MPs on Friday.

As if to underline the complexities surrounding military intervention, Syrian militant group al-Nusra Front today denounced the US-led strikes as a "war against Islam", despite the presence of Middle Eastern allies in the international coalition.

The jihadist group linked to al-Qaeda is one of the rebel groups fighting both the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, but also, from time to time, Isis itself.

Whatever we decide, people will die. Be it directly at the hands of Isil, whose barbarity seems to know no limits. Or when they are hit by bombs dropped by the US, France or the UK.

• Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion

Isis is an evil, evil force – the only way to control these bigots is to further put at risk Iraqi people.

Reverend Andrew White, Chaplain of St George’s Anglican Church in Baghdad

We might win some short-term battles but we will create more grievances that will empower the IS cause in the long run.

• Dr Nafeez Ahmed, Institute for Policy Research & Development

The moral case is clear, the practical case is not – what do we do when we stop bombing?

• David Davis, former shadow Home Secretary

I don’t think President Obama’s plan has a snowball’s chance in hell of succeeding.

• General James Conway, former head of the US Marine Corps

We need to learn that we can’t do nation-building, it has to be up to the local community to decide who they want to govern themselves.

• Nadhim Zahawi, Baghdad-born Conservative MP

Friday’s debate lacked any meaningful reference to the political solution that must be considered in Iraq, if these bombs are to mean anything.

• Richard Williams, former commanding officer of the SAS

The bigger issue is to actually help Syria, but if you just want to defeat IS then you lose sight of that overall goal.

• Chris Doyle, Council for Arab-British Understanding

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