POLITICIANS have spoken out over the recent conflict in Syria.

On Saturday, 180 people gathered for a rally around the Bangor clock. Speakers included Arfon MP Hywel Williams, Cllr Catrin Wager, Liz Saville Roberts, MP, speaking for Plaid Cymru. Others included Anna Jane of Cymdeithas y Cymod and Dr Mohammed Mabrook of Bangor University.

Mr Williams said he "Condemned the appalling al Assad regime in Syria," and had "pressed in vain for proper UK support for the Syrian democracy movement before the war started."

In a statement on Saturday, the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said he had spoken with the Prime Minister Theresa May.

"I offered my support to any intervention that could prevent a further atrocity, but it is vital that any action forms part of a wider long-term plan for the region," he said.

Our thoughts are with our service personnel and the people of Syria.

Labour MP for Ynys Môn Albert Owen said: "...the Prime Minister should not have side-lined Parliament and participated with France in the United States-led military strikes on Syria. It has been convention for the Prime Minister to seek parliamentary approval prior to military action. I accept the Prime Minister does have the right to use the royal prerogative, nevertheless, I feel this should be limited. I do not feel our country was in immediate danger, there was adequate time for her to consult Parliament. The use of chemical weapons is illegal, abhorrent and goes against international conventions implemented by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons which was due to begin its investigation in Syria on April 15. It would have been logical for them to conclude and report on their independent findings before the international community considered any action via the UN.

We need a considered response to such serious matters. It is disturbing that the US President makes announcements about bombing Syria on social media and that our Prime Minister seems to have been bounced into supporting France and US air strikes. The situation in Syria and the Middle East is complex and fragile, the international community and UN need to do more to work for peace. The international convention on chemical weapons also needs strengthening."