Syria Crisis: Britain pulls out of military intervention after vote in Parliament

The United States of America has said it will act in its "best interests" in dealing with the crisis in Syria, after Members of the British Parliament's House of Commons voted against military action. The move by Britain's MP's rules out London's involvement in any-US led strikes against Syria. Despite the unexpected outcome in Britain, one of America's key allies, US defense secretary Chuck Hagel said America would continue to seek an "international coalition" willing to act together on the Syrian crisis. In a statement, the White House stressed that it would "continue to consult" with Britain over Syria, describing the UK as "one of our closest allies and friends". Washington accuses Syrian forces of using chemical weapons - a claim denied by the government of President Assad. A statement released on Thursday by Washington said President Obama's decision making "will be guided by what is in the best interests of the United States", also saying: "Countries who violate international norms regarding chemical weapons need to be held accountable". Of the British Parliaments vote of 285-272 against any action, The United Kingdom's defense secretary Philip Hammond told the state broadcaster the BBC that Britain would now not be involved in any military action, but said he expected "that the US and other countries will continue to look at responses to the chemical attack". He continued: "They will be dissapointed that Britain will not be involved."