Cameron urges MPs to back military action in Syria

David Cameron says air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria would be in the UK's "national interest".

The prime minister denied claims it would make the UK a bigger target for terror attacks, as he made the case for military action in the Commons.

He told MPs the UK was already a target for IS - and the only way to deal with that was to "take action" now.

The UK could not "outsource our security to allies" and it had to stand by France, he added. A Commons vote is expected within weeks on whether to authorise air strikes.

The prime minister is urging MPs to back military action as he sets out a "comprehensive strategy" to tackle IS.

He published his response to a recent Foreign Affairs committee report on air strikes ahead of the speech, saying: "The threats to our interests and to our people are such that we cannot afford to stand aside and not to act."

Cameron is expected to tell 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 Foreign Affairs Committee report set out a number of tests it said should be met before air strikes were considered.

The committee said there should be no military intervention without a "coherent international strategy" on tackling IS and ending Syria's civil war.