Cameron’s battle plans were in ruins after 30 Tory rebels and nine Lib Dems joined Labor to vote against a watered-down motion for military action against Syria.

On Friday, Cameron admitted his “regret” at the bitter defeat by just 13 votes – 285 to 272. But he vowed not to give up.

He claimed, “It’s important we have a robust response to the use of chemical weapons and there are a series of things we will continue to do.”

“We will continue to take a case to the United Nations, we will continue to condemn what’s happened in Syria.”

The bombshell vote sparked outrage from senior Tory MPs, with Education Secretary Michael Gove branding the opponents a “disgrace”.

And former Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown warned the MPs’ snub had done huge damage to Britain’s reputation.

“In 50 years trying to serve my country I have never felt so depressed or ashamed,” he said.

Defense Secretary Philip Hammond said, “I hope Britain isn’t going to be the sort of nation that isn’t going to act to uphold international norms.”

But others hailed it a victory for democracy and accused Cameron of being out of touch with the British people.

Former Tory Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said, “It’s very simple – when you are going to do things which will lead to the death of people, civilians in particular, you should get your facts right first.”

Worries mounted in the Middle East following US intentions to bomb Syria over conflicting reports of an alleged chemical attack that is widely believed to have been committed by foreign-backed militants to open the way for their Western and Arab supporters to attack Syria.

However the US has failed to provide evidence of its claims against Syria while international condemnation grows against its military ambitions in the Arab country.

The US claims come as Syria has already provided UN with evidences on at least three chemical attacks carried out by US-backed militants near the Syrian capital.

NTJ/SHI