Tri-Service

EXCLUSIVE: David Cameron Says Syria Strikes "Good For The Country"

The operation against Islamic State is good for Britain, but will take time, David Cameron has warned.

Speaking exclusively to Forces TV the Prime Minister noted the mission will require patience and persistence, but was cautious putting a time-scale on RAF action to degrade and destroy IS in Syria.

Within an hour of Wednesday night's Commons' vote authorising military action, the first Tornado GR4's flew from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus heading towards the Omar oil fields in eastern Syria.

Mr Cameron added that "there will be very strong support from Muslim and Gulf countries" for the UK's involvement in airstrikes against Syria, adding :

"It's going to take time and be complex"

The Prime Minister said that he welcomed the strong support across Parliament with MPs from six different parties backing "this necessary action".

British #Tornados strike at the heart of #IS territory in #Syria - https://t.co/9tfubyMrFl pic.twitter.com/VkNI720aAc
— Forces TV (@Forces_TV) December 3, 2015

The bombing campaign against Islamic State, who Mr Cameron increasingly refers to as Daesh, in Syria will be "part of a process to deliver political and diplomatic change".

When asked how much more dangerous Syria is than Iraq, noting how RAF crews will be sent into a crowded airspace with US, Russian and French jets already bombing Syria, Mr Cameron replied:

"There's no way in taking part without danger and risk, we must do everything we can to deconflict with other countries."

The Prime Minister refused to be drawn on future British military involvement chosing instead to reiterate that the RAF campaign is part of a "generational struggle" that will involve counter-terrorism police, intelligence forces and local communities all playing their parts.

The Defence Secretary also talked to Forces TV about the airstrikes, meanwhile: