STROUD MP Neil Carmichael will vote for air strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq when Parliament is recalled today, Friday.

In a statement Mr Carmichael said: “Today, I will be voting for air strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq.

“War is always to be avoided if at all possible but, in this case, the risks of doing nothing outweigh the dangers of intervention, however limited and restricted.

“The government of Iraq has asked for help and the United Kingdom's support for the already considerable coalition of willing states to respond to the IS threat will be valuable.

“Our responsibility is to uphold international rule of law, protect our citizens, and defeat a ruthless, terrorist and utterly aggressive organisation.

“To do this will take time and we will also require intelligent, active diplomacy to secure a wider and resilient long-term peace.”