Interesting that Labour abstained on the actual vote rather than voted against.

Presumably that's because it's not the final vote, only 2nd reading, and lets them maneuver for amendments at the next stage that make the Tories look awful when they vote down Labour amendments. https://twitter.com/UKLabour/status/1308836454731313154

Corbyn's legacy is of being very "anti troops", and was unpopular with the country, so simply opposing a bill that they have zero chance of actually stopping risks playing into Tory hands - they'd love a chance to pin some Corbynism on Starmer.

Labour putting out this Tweet indicates to me Starmer plans to make the Tories look shitty at the next stage.

Force the Tories to vote down reasonable looking amendments that would have public support, eg on war crimes.

Once voted down, Labour will probably oppose at final vote

For contrast, here's how the Tories are pitching Labour's abstention. Absolutely trying to drag Labour into the mud. https://twitter.com/Conservatives/status/1308846115438157824?s=19

Starmer's looking to thread a delicate needle on this, and since there's zero chance of stopping the bill right now, it's a battle of PR.

Expect more back-and-forth on this one.

There's Committee Stage and Report Stage to come, both of which allow for amendments.

Third stage, Labour'll be able to vote against, having also fought to change the law instead of simply opposing it (Which plays into Tory hands).

Not saying it's tasteful, but I grok it.