MP for Stroud Neil Carmichael has today spoken out about his support for air strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq.

He 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.”

Prime Minister David Cameron recalled Parliament to debate the UK’s response to the request from the Iraqi government for air strikes to support against ISIL in Iraq.