RAF jets poised to strike jihadists in Iraq after British MPs back military action

British fighter jets could begin airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Iraq as early as today after MPs overwhelmingly backed action. Parliament gave approval by 524 votes to 43 (a massive majority of 481) for Britain to join the U.S.-led coalition in the Middle East. The vote came after Prime Minister David Cameron said IS forces are “psychopathic terrorists trying to kill us”.

We have to select our targets in accordance with the American and international effort that’s going on in Iraq. There’s fighting around these towns - we have to fit in to the day-to-day fighting and see where we can help best.

Defence Minister Michael Fallon

Britain has six Tornado GR4 fighter bombers in Cyprus ready to strike northern Iraq, a figure which Cabinet minister Kenneth Clarke said would make the UK’s military contribution “almost symbolic”. The planes, which have been in RAF Akrotiri for the past six weeks carrying out surveillance missions in the Middle East, could begin airstrikes over the weekend.

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.

Prime Minister David Cameron

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