Cameron makes case for launching air strikes in Syria

Prime Minister David Cameron has put forward his case for launching air strikes in Syria.

Cameron urged MPs that military action should make up part of a ‘comprehensive strategy’ to tackle the terrorist threat posed by ISIL, and denied claims that it would make the UK a bigger target for terror attacks.

He published his response to a recent Foreign Affairs committee report on air strikes ahead of his speech.

A vote is expected to take place within weeks on whether the UK should join coalition air strikes in the area, with Cameron saying that the UK should not ’outsource our security to allies’.

He told MPs: "Decisions to use force are not to be taken lightly.

"It is right that Parliament, on behalf of the people, asks difficult questions and holds the government to account."

The UK is currently involved in air strikes in Iraq, but the commons voted against similar action in Syria back in 2013. Cameron’s new push for military action follows attacks carried out by ISIL in Paris on 13 November, which left 130 dead and over 350 injured.