Parliament backs Iraqi airstrikes

BRITISH MPs have given their backing for the UK to participate in airstrikes against ISIL in Northern Iraq.

The number of MPs who voted ‘yes’ was 524, whilst only 43 voted against military action: meaning that the motion was passed with a majority of 481.

6 British Tornado GR4 fighters which are based in Cyprus could now be ordered to take part in bombing raids against the terrorist organization at any moment.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has described IS as ‘psychopaths’, said: “The brutality is staggering – beheadings, crucifixions, the gouging out of eyes, the use of rape as a weapon, the slaughter of children. All of these things belong to the dark ages.

“This is not a threat on the far side of the world. Left unchecked we will face a terrorist caliphate on the shores of the Mediterranean and bordering a NATO member with a declared and a proven determination to attack our country and our people.”

Leader of the opposition Ed Miliband, who has recently expressed full backing for the PM over the Iraq issue, but remains more reserved about participating in raids in Syria, said: “ISIL is not simply a murderous organisation; it has ambitions for a state of its own – a caliphate across the Middle East, run according to their horrific norms and values.”

One leading Labour MP, Rushanara Ali, resigned from the front bench as soon as the motion was passed.

Cameron may well see the vote as a political success too, following last year’s humiliating Parliamentary defeat as to whether or not to intervene in Syria. Although the vote only authorizes strikes over Iraqi soil, there is strong feeling amongst voters that the UK should commit itself to fighting IS in Syria, too.