Syria crisis: As it happened

Key Points

• British MPs rejected a government motion to support the principle of military intervention in Syria
• In response the White House said the US 'will continue to consult' with Britain - 'one of our closest allies'
• The five permanent UN Security Council members met briefly, but diplomats said they remain "far apart" on Syria
• Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said his country will defend itself against Western aggression
• All times in GMT