Britain to join Syria air strikes against Daesh after vote

LONDON: Britain will join the US-led bombing campaign against Daesh in Syria after MPs voted Wednesday in favor of air strikes. Prime Minister David Cameron secured the strong mandate he had sought with 397 of MPs voting in favor and 223 against, a majority of 174, after over 10 hours of passionate and often angry debate. “I believe the house has taken the right decision to keep the UK safe — military action in Syria as one part of a broader strategy,” Cameron wrote on Twitter. The result in the House of Commons means that British planes could start bombing over Syria within hours. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the first strikes could come as early as “tomorrow night.” US President Barack Obama welcomed the decision, calling Britain one of his country’s “most valued partners” in fighting IS. AFP