Following the telephone call, a Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister (PM) and President Obama spoke this evening to discuss the response to last week’s chemical attack in Syria. The PM made clear that he strongly believes in the need for a tough and robust response to the appalling war crime committed by the Assad regime in Ghouta.

The PM explained that he wanted to build a consensual approach in Britain for our response and that the government had accepted the clear view of the House against British military action. President Obama said he fully respected the PM’s approach and that he had not yet taken a decision on the US response.

The President stressed his appreciation of his strong friendship with the Prime Minister and of the strength, durability and depth of the special relationship between our two countries. They agreed that their co-operation on international issues would continue in the future and both reiterated their determination to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict by bringing all sides together.