Keir Starmer grilled by Laura Kuenssberg on previous pledge
Sir Keir Starmer was accused of "another flip-flop" after weakening a pledge on military action votes.
Sir Keir promised to bring forward a law to ensure military intervention is subject to approval by Parliament during his leadership campaign.
But the Labour leader today admitted that while he still wants the change it may not be enshrined in law.
He also insisted there was "no inconsistency" between his backing for strikes against the Houthis, which Rishi Sunak ordered without first giving MPs a say, and his previous pledge.
Sir Keir told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "No, there is no inconsistency here.
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"There is obviously a huge distinction between an operation, the like of which we have seen in the last few days, and military action, a sustained campaign, military action usually involving troops on the ground.
"That's recognised by everybody. National security must come first.
"There will always be urgent situations where Parliament can't be consulted beforehand.
"But the principle that if there's to be a sustained campaign, if we're going to deploy our troops on the ground, that Parliament should be informed, there should be a debate, the case should be made and there should be a vote, I do stand by that in principle absolutely."
When running to succeed Jeremy Corbyn in 2020, Sir Keir promised a Prevention of Military Intervention Act.
He said the legislation would ensure military action could only be taken if a lawful case was made, there was a viable objective, and consent from the Commons had been given.
Pressed on whether he would introduce the law if he wins the next general election, Sir Keir said: "Well I want to codify that, it could be in a law, it could be by some other means. But yes I am absolutely clear that's a principle I want to see entrenched."
A Conservative source said: “Another day, another flip-flop from spineless Starmer.
“He clearly stands for nothing and will say or do whatever he thinks the public wants to hear.
"How can the public trust Labour to deliver on their policies if Sir Keir can't even settle on one to begin with?"
The move also risks angering those on the left of his party.
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Elsewhere, Sir Keir refused to confirm if he would stop selling weapons to Saudi Arabia having previously said the UK should.
He said: "We will review the situation and the review will give us the answers to those questions."
It comes as the Labour leader has come under fire for a series of U-turns including a vow to abolish tuition fees and watering down ￡28 billion of green spending.
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