Senior Labour MPs have warned Ed Miliband any decision to back Syrian intervention would trigger "internal warfare" amid signs David Cameron is attempting to win the opposition leader's support for action.
In a highly unusual move, Mr Miliband has been invited to today's meeting of the National Security Council, which is set to discuss Syria.
With MPs promised a vote on any UK action in Syria, the Prime Minister could be forced to look to Labour votes amid widespread hostility among Tory backbenchers to arming the Syrian rebels.
Labour has expressed a number of concerns over potential UK action, including that arms could eventually end up in the wrong hands including groups with links to al Qaeda.
Last week Mr Miliband also warned the Prime Minister he must "build the greatest possible consensus" across political parties before any intervention.
One senior Labour MP said any decision by the Labour leadership to support arming the Syrian opposition "would spark internal warfare".
He estimated 90% of the party's MPs were vehemently opposed to such a move, with just 10% supportive.
Downing Street yesterday denied Mr Miliband had been invited to the NSC meeting as part of a "softening up" exercise ahead of any Commons vote on Syria.
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