UK cabinet approves Syria motion

The UK cabinet has approved a motion to pave the way for the country to extend its airstrikes against ISIL militants from Iraq to Syria.

The motion was approved unanimously by the cabinet ministers at their weekly meeting, devoted entirely to Syria.

The motion says that ISIL presents a direct threat to the UK, that it presents an unprecedented threat to international peace and security.

It also says that the increased military action is legal in line with the UN charter.

The ministers said it is "illogical" to carry out strikes in Iraq but not Syria as ISIL militants don’t recognize the border between the countries.

Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said the UK is already a target for ISIL extremists and the threat has "intensified".

The motion is set to be voted on Wednesday.

MPs rejected air strikes against Syrian government targets in 2013, but have since backed strikes against ISIL in Iraq.

The opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn says France and the US should "put their efforts into" finding a peaceful solution to the war in Syria.

Corbyn  said he looked forward to his MPs "being persuaded" to back his opposition to UK air strikes in Syria ahead of Wednesday's vote.

The Labour party announced it will offer its MPs a free vote on the Tory government’s proposal for UK airstrikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria.Corbyn and most of its members are opposed to the bombing saying the airstrikes in Syria could deteriorate the situation and increase support for ISIL.

However, some Labour lawmakers want to back Prime Minister David Cameron's call for more bombing.

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