BBC News with Nick Kelly.

President Barack Obama has announced that he will seek authorization from Congress for military action against Syria. Speaking at the White House, Mr. Obama again accused the Syrian government of carrying out a chemical weapon’s attack in Guta on the outskirts of Damascus. But he said it was important to have a debate and a vote on the matter.

“For the last several days we’ve heard from members of Congress who want their voices to be heard. I absolutely agree. So this morning I spoke with all four congressional leaders and they’ve agreed to schedule a debate and then a vote as soon as Congress come back in the session while I believe I have the authority to carry out this military action without specific congressional authorization. I know that the country will be stronger if we take this course and our actions will be even more effective.”

Members of Congress have welcomed President Obama’s decision to seek their backing for military intervention in Syria. The Republican leader in the Senate Mitch McConnell said the president’s role as commander in chief will be strengthened by it. From Washington here is Rajini Vaidyanathan.

We’ve heard from senator Corker on the Senate foreign relation’s committee who says he’s pleased that the president has listened to the suggestion to bring this issue to Congress, also Eliot Engel from the House foreign relation’s committee who says the president’s made a strong and convincing case to the American people and he’s calling on the speaker to recall the house back from August recess to have a debate. It is worth noting that the latest opinion polls show that the American public isn’t in favor of any kind of military intervention.