UK parliament approves strikes against Islamic State militants

The British parliament has voted to approve air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq, with MPs voting overwhelmingly in its favour 524-43.

British prime minister David Cameron told a sitting of the House of Commons that IS posed a direct threat to Britain, accusing the terrorist group of "staggering" brutality.

All the major parties backed the action saying it was legal because it was requested by the Iraqi government.

"This is going to be a mission that will take not just months but years but I believe we have to be prepared for that commitment," he said.

more: UK parliament approves strikes against Islamic State militants

The British parliament has voted to approve air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq, with MPs voting overwhelmingly in its favour 524-43.

British prime minister David Cameron told a sitting of the House of Commons that IS posed a direct threat to Britain, accusing the terrorist group of "staggering" brutality.

All the major parties backed the action saying it was legal because it was requested by the Iraqi government.

"This is going to be a mission that will take not just months but years but I believe we have to be prepared for that commitment," he said.