PM: We Must Bomb IS In Syria To Keep UK Safe

The Prime Minister is to set out the case for RAF jets and drones to strike IS (also known as ISIL) targets in Syria as well as Iraq.

"It is in Syria, in Raqqa, that ISIL has its headquarters, and it is from Raqqa that some of the main threats against this country are planned and orchestrated," he will say.

"We have to deny a safe haven for ISIL in Syria.

"The longer ISIL is allowed to grow in Syria, the greater the threat it will pose.

"It is wrong for the United Kingdom to sub-contract its security to other countries, and expect the aircrews of other nations to carry the burdens and the risks of striking ISIL in Syria to stop terrorism here in Britain."

The Prime Minister will unveil his seven point plan for dealing with IS and Syria and answer questions posed in a report by the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC), which raised doubts about the need for and effectiveness of extending airstrikes.

The Seven Point Plan:

:: Maintain counter-terrorism capabilities to protect the UK
:: Advance a political settlement
:: Deliver a Syrian government that credibly represents all of the Syrian people
:: Defeat IS through military and wider action
:: Continue to provide humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people
:: Plan for the stabilisation and reconstruction of Syria
:: Work with international partners to mitigate the impact of IS on the stability of the region

"Whether or not to use military force is one of the most significant decisions that any government takes," he will say.

"The need to do so most often arises because of a government's first duty: the responsibility to protect its citizens.

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

Mr Cameron will stress there is no guarantee a vote will actually happen unless he can be assured of a clear majority.

The Prime Minister suffered embarrassment in 2013 when he was defeated on a vote for airstrike in Syria against the Bashar al Assad regime. 

He has said a similar defeat would damage the nation's reputation.

Downing Street said: "There will only be a Commons vote on the extension of airstrikes if there is a clear majority because we don't want to hand ISIL a propaganda victory."