Prime Minister David Cameron has opened up a mammoth debate over military action against Islamic State (IS) in Syria. The PM has suspended Prime Minsters Questions on 2 December in favour of the debate, which is expected to run for over 10 hours.
The government are pushing for airstrikes against IS in Syria, extending the UKs current action against the group in Iraq. In his opening remarks, Cameron said: The question before the house today, is how we keep the British people safe from the threat posed by ISIL. Mr Speaker, let me be clear from the outset, this is not about whether we want to fight terrorism, it is about it is about how best we do that.
I respect that governments of all political colours in this country have had to fight terrorism and have had to take the people with them as they do so. I respect people who come to a different view from the government and the one I will set out today, and those who vote accordingly. And I hope that provides some reassurance to members right across the house.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has given his MPs a free vote on whether to allow airstrikes, after a split in his shadow cabinet earlier this week.
