David Cameron speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London PA
The Prime Minister said air strikes in Syria were a 'vital element' in defeating Isis and an important step to ensure Britain does not 'subtract' its national security to its allies
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Security chiefs have found that Britain is among the "top tier" of countries that Isis is targeting, David Cameron has told MPs.
Setting out the case for Britain joining allies in bombing Isis targets in Syria, the Prime Minister said the advice from senior intelligence officials was clear that the "risks of inaction are greater".
Setting out the case for Britain joining allies in bombing Isis targets in Syria, the Prime Minister said the advice from senior intelligence officials was clear that the "risks of inaction are greater".
Air strikes was a "vital element" in defeating Isis, Mr Cameron said, but acknowledged that it should be just one part of a comprehensive plan in the fight against Islamic terrorism in the Middle East.
In a detailed response to the influential Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Cameron said Isis was “not a threat that can be negotiated away" and the only way to confront the threat of further terrorist atrocities in the West was "to deal with that reality" and "address the threat we face".
He said the UK “cannot afford” to stand aside and “subtract” its national security to allies.
Mr Cameron set out his arguments for extending air strikes to Syria in a statement in the House of Commons as he attempts to persuade MPs to back military action ahead of an expected vote next week.
But he made clear that a Commons vote would only be held if he was confident of a convincing majority.
Whether or not Labour MPs back military action will play a crucial role, given that around a dozen Tory MPs are expected to oppose air strikes.
Much will depend on whether Jeremy Corbyn decides to back military action, which is unlikely given his long-standing opposition to intervention.
If he decides to oppose air strikes, Mr Cameron will rely on enough Labour MPs to rebel against the party line - a tough hurdle to overcome if Mr Corbyn decides to whip the vote, as he has insisted he would.
Angus Robertson, the SNP's Westminster leader, said his party would oppose air strikes in Syria because "key questions remain unanswered".
Mr Cameron acknowledged that military action was “only one element” of what was required to defeat the “appalling terrorist death cult”. The RAF has been bombing Isis targets in Iraq since MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of action last autumn.
Explaining his argument in favour of extending British air strikes into Syria, Mr Cameron told the Committee: "The threats to our interests and to our people are such that we cannot afford to stand aside and not to act."
Mr Cameron acknowledged that military action was “only one element” of what was required to defeat the “appalling terrorist death cult”. The RAF has been bombing Isis targets in Iraq since MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of action last autumn.
Explaining his argument in favour of extending British air strikes into Syria, Mr Cameron told the Committee: "The threats to our interests and to our people are such that we cannot afford to stand aside and not to act."
Independent
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