Tri-Service

Syria Airstrikes - For Or Against?

David Cameron has laid out his case for why the UK should take part in the airstrike campaign in Syria.

Hoping to win around Tory rebels and Labour MPs, he's set out his seven-point plan in the House of Commons.

The Prime Minister told MPs that Britain must "act now" because "everyday we don't take action is a day where ISIL grows stronger".

"They need our help (Syrian opposition fighters). When they get it, they succeed. So in my view we should do more to help them from the air."

Mr Cameron said that allies including France and the United States had asked for help in the fight against Islamic State in Syria.

A Commons vote on the issue will be held as soon as Prime Minister is confident that the majority of MPs will vote in favour of airstrikes. Mr Cameron is adamant a defeat would be a propaganda victory for IS.

"A diplomatic and political solution is key.. in the long-term. But can we wait for that to happen before we take military action? I say we can't."

Replying to a question from the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn an assurance that British combat forces will not be involved was also given with the PM saying such an intervention "would be counter-productive". Instead suggesting that a new Syrian government, following the departure of President Assad, could supply troops on the ground.

David Cameron was however keen to stress that defeating IS would take time: "We should not expect this to happen quickly. It will require patience and persistence. But it is achievable."

He added that the government would not make the same mistakes it had in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

You can read the Prime Minister's case set out in detail in an earlier reply to a recent Foreign Affairs Committee report which set out the tests for military intervention.