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Syria air strikes: What you need to know Syria air strikes: What you need to know
(about 4 hours later)
MPs are to debate - and later vote on - UK air strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria.MPs are to debate - and later vote on - UK air strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria.
The government motion to be voted on specifically authorises air strikes "exclusively" against IS in Syria - but not British troops on the ground. The government motion to be voted on specifically authorises air strikes "exclusively" against IS in Syria - but not deploying British troops on the ground.
Here are the key questions answered:Here are the key questions answered:
When is the vote?When is the vote?
A vote is expected at about 22:00, after a full day's debate.A vote is expected at about 22:00, after a full day's debate.
Will the government win?Will the government win?
David Cameron had made it clear he would not hold a vote unless he was confident he would win.David Cameron had made it clear he would not hold a vote unless he was confident he would win.
The majority of Conservatives are expected to vote in favour. The DUP and the Liberal Democrats have indicated they could vote in favour. The majority of Conservatives are expected to vote in favour. The DUP and the Liberal Democrats have indicated they will too.
Labour is split. Leader Jeremy Corbyn is opposed but has granted his MPs a free vote. The Greens, Plaid Cymru and UKIP are expected to vote against, and the SNP says it will oppose air strikes.Labour is split. Leader Jeremy Corbyn is opposed but has granted his MPs a free vote. The Greens, Plaid Cymru and UKIP are expected to vote against, and the SNP says it will oppose air strikes.
About 640 MPs are expected to vote - a majority is half of those who have voted, plus one. The government have a working majority of 17 seats. About 640 MPs are expected to vote - a majority is half of those who have voted, plus one. The government has a working majority of 17 seats.
At least 50 Labour MPs are expected to vote with the government, which is likely to give it a comfortable majority backing air strikes.At least 50 Labour MPs are expected to vote with the government, which is likely to give it a comfortable majority backing air strikes.
Syria bombing: Where UK parties standSyria bombing: Where UK parties stand
How to make sense of Syria vote jargonHow to make sense of Syria vote jargon
If the government wins, how soon could the UK be bombing Syria?If the government wins, how soon could the UK be bombing Syria?
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg quotes defence sources as saying the RAF could move "extremely fast" following approval.BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg quotes defence sources as saying the RAF could move "extremely fast" following approval.
Six Typhoon and two Tornado jets are on standby to be deployed, the BBC understands.Six Typhoon and two Tornado jets are on standby to be deployed, the BBC understands.
Will we be bombing Syria by the end of the week?Will we be bombing Syria by the end of the week?
Why does Mr Cameron want to bomb Syria?Why does Mr Cameron want to bomb Syria?
David Cameron says IS poses a terror threat to British people, and so the UK must strike IS in its "heartland" - Syria.David Cameron says IS poses a terror threat to British people, and so the UK must strike IS in its "heartland" - Syria.
He argues the UK has a moral obligation to get involved, and should not be "content with outsourcing our security to allies".He argues the UK has a moral obligation to get involved, and should not be "content with outsourcing our security to allies".
Britain's laser-guided Brimstone missiles - which no other country has - would greatly help the coalition with precision targeting IS fighters, he says.
Bombing IS in Syria 'will make UK 'safer'Bombing IS in Syria 'will make UK 'safer'
Who is against it and why?Who is against it and why?
MPs who oppose the plan, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, argue any British bombing in Syria will inevitably lead to civilians being killed, no matter how targeted the campaign. MPs who oppose the plan, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, argue British bombing in Syria will inevitably lead to civilians being killed, no matter how targeted the campaign.
He says the government should instead focus on finding a political solution, and cutting off streams of funding to IS. He wants the government to focus on finding a political solution, and cutting off IS funding streams.
The SNP says it is concerned that there is no effective ground support in place to take and hold territory, and no fully-costed reconstruction plan. The SNP says it is concerned there is no effective ground support in place to take and hold territory, and no reconstruction plan.
Other MPs who are opposed warn against repeating mistakes of the past, such as in Iraq and Libya, and question how bombing in Syria will prevent attacks from home-grown terrorists inspired by IS. Other MPs who are opposed warn against repeating mistakes made in the Iraq and Libya conflicts, and question how bombing in Syria will prevent attacks from home-grown terrorists inspired by IS.
The case for and against UK air strikes in SyriaThe case for and against UK air strikes in Syria
Viewpoints: Should the UK bomb IS in Syria? Why is 'terrorist sympathiser' trending?
Why is 'terrorist sympathiser' trending on social media? Do Syrian civilians want Britain to join in with air strikes?
Do Syrians want us to intervene? This is a difficult question to answer - the situation on the ground makes it hard to reliably gauge Syrian public opinion.
This is a difficult question to answer - not least because it is hard to reliably gauge Syrian public opinion. The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet, in the capital Damascus, says most Syrians are weary of fighting and would support a concerted effort to end the war.
The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet, who is in the Syrian capital Damascus, says most Syrians would support a concerted effort to end the war, because they are weary of fighting and worried it will get worse in a country already ravaged by violence. "Those who back the government want Britain to co-ordinate with President Assad's forces to fight extremist groups. Those who don't want greater international action to remove him from power," she said.
"Those who back the government want Britain to coordinate with President Assad's forces to fight extremist groups. Those who don't want greater international action to remove him from power," she said. She says Syrian newspapers on Wednesday made no mention of possible UK intervention. They led with an interview in which President Assad claimed air strikes by Russia - which backs his government - were tackling jihadists, while US strikes were not effective.
She says Syrian newspapers this morning have made no mention of possible UK intervention, but lead with an interview in which President Assad claimed air strikes by Russia - which backs his government - were tackling jihadists, while US strikes were not effective.
What difference could UK air strikes make?What difference could UK air strikes make?
It is true that the UK has precision weapons that its allies do not. The government argues these will help the coalition reduce civilian casualties, and sustain the campaign. The UK has precision laser-guided Brimstone missiles, which the government argues will help the coalition reduce civilian casualties, and sustain the campaign.
However, a number of people, including the prime minister, have conceded that air strikes alone are not enough to defeat IS.However, a number of people, including the prime minister, have conceded that air strikes alone are not enough to defeat IS.
Defence think tank, the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), has said IS will only be dislodged by "credible Arab ground forces prepared to fight block by block" through urban centres. Defence think tank, the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), has said IS will only be dislodged by "credible Arab ground forces prepared to fight block by block".
The RAF's contribution will "not make much difference" to the coalition's strike capability, but the availability of British Tornado jets would provide "a greater range of options", it concluded.The RAF's contribution will "not make much difference" to the coalition's strike capability, but the availability of British Tornado jets would provide "a greater range of options", it concluded.
Can British forces make a difference in Syria?Can British forces make a difference in Syria?
What's the UK's plan for Syria?What's the UK's plan for Syria?
Mr Cameron has set out a seven-point plan for the UK's proposed involvement in Syria, which involves military, diplomatic and humanitarian action.Mr Cameron has set out a seven-point plan for the UK's proposed involvement in Syria, which involves military, diplomatic and humanitarian action.
He insists the RAF's specialist bombing capabilities are needed by allies to "degrade and defeat" IS, and there is strong legal justification on grounds of self-defence and the recent UN Security Council resolution. He has ruled out British "boots on the ground" - but insists the RAF's specialist bombing capabilities are needed by allies to "degrade and defeat" IS. He says there is strong legal justification on grounds of self-defence and the recent UN Security Council resolution.
He has ruled out British "boots on the ground" - but says there are at least 70,000 moderate Syrian opposition fighters capable of retaking territory from IS, although this figure is disputed. The UK would also help with the transition to a new "inclusive" Syrian government through diplomatic means, he says. He is clear that this would mean the departure of President Assad, and "moderate opposition" would be crucial to its success.
The UK would also help with the transition to a new "inclusive" Syrian government through diplomatic means, he says. He is clear that this would mean the departure of President Assad, and says the "moderate opposition" would be crucial to its success. Are there really 70,000 moderate Syrian fighters?
Are there 70,000 Syrian "moderates" ready to back the UK? David Cameron has said there at least 70,000 Syrian opposition fighters - principally the Free Syrian Army - with whom the UK could co-ordinate attacks on IS.
David Cameron has said there are 70,000 Syrian opposition fighters - principally the Free Syrian Army - with whom the UK could co-ordinate attacks on IS.
That is based on Joint Intelligence Committee figures which draw on Foreign Office, open source and intelligence agency assessments, officials say.That is based on Joint Intelligence Committee figures which draw on Foreign Office, open source and intelligence agency assessments, officials say.
Independent experts say the figure of 70,000 is broadly accurate, but there is a high degree of scepticism as to how many could actually be persuaded to fight IS instead of the Syrian regime, let alone be moulded into a cohesive, effective force. Independent experts say the 70,000 figure is broadly accurate, but question how many could be persuaded to fight IS instead of the Syrian regime, let alone be moulded into an effective force.
The BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner says: "The wounds of this war run very deep and while IS is disliked by most Syrians there are many more who hate President Bashar Assad and his regime even more." BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says that brings into question whether the ground force part of David Cameron's wider strategy is actually viable.
Moderates v hardlinersModerates v hardliners
How long would the UK be involved?How long would the UK be involved?
There is no definitive timescale. Some claim IS could be defeated within months - or even weeks - with the right strategy.There is no definitive timescale. Some claim IS could be defeated within months - or even weeks - with the right strategy.
But others, including Jeremy Corbyn, say previous conflicts in Iraq and Syria raise doubts that Britain could ever help secure any "lasting defeat" of IS - or avoid what Barack Obama termed "unintended consequences", such as giving rise to new terror groups. But others, including Jeremy Corbyn, say previous conflicts in the Middle East raise doubts that Britain could ever help secure any "lasting defeat" of IS - or avoid what Barack Obama termed "unintended consequences", such as giving rise to new terror groups.
The end goal, Mr Cameron says, is the "eradication" of IS, and new government that represents all Syrian people. He said it was a mission which would require "patience and persistence". The end goal, Mr Cameron says, is the "eradication" of IS, and a new government that represents all Syrian people - a mission which would require "patience and persistence".
What could the impact be on ordinary Syrians?What could the impact be on ordinary Syrians?
More than three million people have already left Syria as a result of the fighting, in one of the biggest forced migrations since World War Two. More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed, and 11 million made homeless. More than three million people have already left Syria as a result of the fighting, in one of the biggest forced migrations since World War Two.
Those still living in areas of conflict face being caught up in clashes between the Syrian government, opposition factions and jihadists groups.Those still living in areas of conflict face being caught up in clashes between the Syrian government, opposition factions and jihadists groups.
There have also been claims that Russian air strikes in Syria have killed dozens of civilians. US officials say at least six civilians have been killed in their strikes against IS in Iraq. There have also been reports of civilians killed by Russian air strikes in Syria, and US strikes in Iraq. Mr Cameron has said that Britain's Brimstone missiles are so precise they will be able to avoid civilian casualties.
Mr Cameron has said that Britain's Brimstone missiles are so precise that they will be able to avoid civilian casualties.
However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights warns that IS fighters are living "almost totally" among civilians, meaning that avoiding civilian casualties will also depend on good intelligence.However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights warns that IS fighters are living "almost totally" among civilians, meaning that avoiding civilian casualties will also depend on good intelligence.
What's life like under Islamic State?What's life like under Islamic State?
How might IS militants respond to any strikes?How might IS militants respond to any strikes?
IS group leaders have called on followers to carry out terror attacks against Western countries - particularly those involved in coalition air strikes.IS group leaders have called on followers to carry out terror attacks against Western countries - particularly those involved in coalition air strikes.
Those opposed to air strikes have warned about potential repercussions, including former UK ambassador to Syria, Peter Ford, who said: "Actions have consequences and the inevitable blowback on our streets will be severe." Those opposed to air strikes have warned about potential repercussions, including former UK ambassador to Syria, Peter Ford, who said "the inevitable blowback on our streets will be severe".
However, Mr Cameron argues that the UK is already at severe threat level - and doing nothing could make the UK more of a target. Taking action will "reduce and degrade that threat over time", he says. However, Mr Cameron argues the UK is already at severe threat level - and doing nothing could make the country even more of a target. Taking action will "degrade that threat over time", he says.
What action has the UK taken against IS already?What action has the UK taken against IS already?
The UK has deployed air power to Iraq in the form of eight RAF Tornado aircraft, which operate out of a British base in Cyprus. The UK has deployed air power to Iraq in the form of eight RAF Tornado aircraft. They operate out of a British base in Cyprus and have launched guided bombs aimed at IS targets.
The jets have carried out about 30% of coalition surveillance missions, and under 5% of coalition air strikes in Iraq - launching guided bombs or Brimstone missiles aimed at IS targets.
Reaper drones, which are remotely piloted by RAF crews in the UK, have also carried out surveillance and launched missiles at IS targets in Iraq.Reaper drones, which are remotely piloted by RAF crews in the UK, have also carried out surveillance and launched missiles at IS targets in Iraq.
British pilots have also been embedded with coalition air forces, and two British jihadists in Syria were killed by an RAF drone strike in September. British pilots have also been embedded with coalition air forces, and two British jihadists in Syria were killed by an RAF drone strike in September, which David Cameron said was a lawful "act of self defence".
David Cameron said the "act of self defence" was lawful, despite MPs previously ruling out UK military action in Syria.
Why has the UK been bombing IS in Iraq, but not Syria?Why has the UK been bombing IS in Iraq, but not Syria?
In 2013, MPs voted against possible UK military action against President Assad's forces in Syria, after evidence chemical weapons were used against civilians.In 2013, MPs voted against possible UK military action against President Assad's forces in Syria, after evidence chemical weapons were used against civilians.
Just over a year later, MPs overwhelmingly approved UK air strikes in Iraq - this time specifically against IS militants. Just over a year later, MPs overwhelmingly approved UK air strikes in Iraq - this time specifically against IS militants. MPs will now vote on extending that action to Syria.
The influential Commons Foreign Affairs Committee warned against extending bombing to Syria without a "coherent international strategy".
Mr Cameron says it makes no sense to stop at a border IS does not recognise. He has come up with a strategy for Syria to try to build support among MPs ahead of a fresh vote.
What's going on in Syria?What's going on in Syria?
Syria has been embroiled in a bloody armed conflict for nearly five years. More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed, and 11 million made homeless.Syria has been embroiled in a bloody armed conflict for nearly five years. More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed, and 11 million made homeless.
What started as pro-democracy Arab Spring protests in 2011 spiralled into a civil war between President Bashar al-Assad's government forces and opposition supporters.What started as pro-democracy Arab Spring protests in 2011 spiralled into a civil war between President Bashar al-Assad's government forces and opposition supporters.
In the chaos, jihadist group IS moved in over the border from Iraq and claimed territory. In the chaos, jihadist group IS moved in over the border from Iraq and claimed territory. The US, Russia, France and other world powers have entered the fray, adding to an already complex web.
The US, Russia, France and other world powers have entered the fray, adding to an already complex web.
Syria: The story of the conflictSyria: The story of the conflict
What are other countries doing against IS?What are other countries doing against IS?
To date, US aircraft have conducted nearly all of the air strikes undertaken in Syria and Iraq by some members of the international coalition of 63 states. France, Australia and Denmark have also taken part. To date, US aircraft have conducted nearly all of the air strikes undertaken in Syria and Iraq. France, Australia and Denmark have also taken part.
Russia is not part of the US-led coalition. It claims to be targeting IS strongholds - however, the US fears Russia is actually targeting opponents of President Assad, who is a Russian ally. Russia is not part of the US-led coalition of 63 states. It claims to be targeting IS strongholds - however, the US fears Russia is actually targeting opponents of President Assad, who is a Russian ally.
Islamic State: Where key countries standIslamic State: Where key countries stand
Battle for Iraq and Syria in mapsBattle for Iraq and Syria in maps
Who are the IS group?Who are the IS group?
IS is a notoriously violent Islamist group which controls large parts of Syria and Iraq. It has declared its territory a caliphate - a state governed in accordance with Islamic law - under its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.IS is a notoriously violent Islamist group which controls large parts of Syria and Iraq. It has declared its territory a caliphate - a state governed in accordance with Islamic law - under its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Why does the group have so many names? Why does it have so many names?
The group is often referred to by different names by English-speaking governments and media - including Isis, Isil, IS or Daesh (or Da'ish).The group is often referred to by different names by English-speaking governments and media - including Isis, Isil, IS or Daesh (or Da'ish).
The group itself uses the name "Islamic State". However, many MPs say the name should not be used because it implies the group has legitimacy as a state. David Cameron has announced he will used the term Daesh - a term which the IS supporters find offensive. The group itself uses the name "Islamic State". However, many MPs say using that name implies it has legitimacy as a state. David Cameron has announced he will used the term Daesh - a term which the IS supporters find offensive.
Isis, Isil, IS or Daesh? One group, many namesIsis, Isil, IS or Daesh? One group, many names
What does it want?What does it want?
IS demands allegiance from all Muslims, rejects national borders and seeks to expand its territory. It follows its own extreme version of Sunni Islam and regards non-believers as deserving of death.IS demands allegiance from all Muslims, rejects national borders and seeks to expand its territory. It follows its own extreme version of Sunni Islam and regards non-believers as deserving of death.
How strong is IS?How strong is IS?
IS projects a powerful image, partly through propaganda and sheer brutality, and is the world's richest insurgent group. It has about 30,000 fighters but is facing daily bombing by the US-led multi-national coalition, which has vowed to destroy it.IS projects a powerful image, partly through propaganda and sheer brutality, and is the world's richest insurgent group. It has about 30,000 fighters but is facing daily bombing by the US-led multi-national coalition, which has vowed to destroy it.
What is 'Islamic State'?What is 'Islamic State'?