Syria air strikes: MPs authorise UK action against Islamic State

(BBC)- MPs have overwhelmingly voted by 397 to 223 to authorise UK air strikes against so-called Islamic State in Syria after an impassioned 10-hour Commons debate.

The BBC understands 67 Labour MPs sided with the government in backing military action as David Cameron secured a larger than expected Commons majority.

The PM said they had "taken the right decision to keep the country safe" but opponents said the move was a mistake.

The government has said bombing raids will begin "as soon as [is] practical".

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he would not give a "running commentary" on operations, having earlier suggested bombings could begin as early as Thursday. Eight bombers are on standby at the RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus.

Welcoming the result, Mr Hammond said Britain was "safer because of the actions taken by MPs today". He added: "Military strikes alone won't help Syria, won't keep us safe from Daesh. But this multi-strand approach will."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn argued that the case for war "does not stack up" - but his party was split, with senior Labour figures voting with the government.

The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said 67 Labour MPs - equivalent to 29% of the parliamentary party, voted with the government to back air strikes after their MPs were given a free vote. The Press Association said the figure was 66.

Shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn was applauded by MPs from across the House, particularly on the Conservative benches, when he urged his own side to "confront this evil" posed by Islamic State, who he said "held our democracy in contempt".