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Iraq crisis: David Cameron recalls Parliament for debate on airstrikes on Isis Islamic State: David Cameron sets Britain on fast track to war by seeking approval for bombing campaign against Isis
(about 4 hours later)
David Cameron set Britain on the path to war in Iraq again today as he announced he was seeking Parliamentary approval for a sustained campaign against Islamic extremists who now control large swathes of the country. David Cameron has set Britain on the path to war in Iraq again as he announced he was seeking Parliamentary approval for a sustained bombing campaign against Islamic extremists who now control large swathes of the country.
As a result of Mr Cameron’s decision MPs will be recalled to discuss British airstrikes tomorrow and military action could potentially begin at the weekend. As a result of Mr Cameron's decision MPs will be recalled to give their approval for British air strikes on Friday and military action could potentially begin at the weekend. Nigel Farage criticised the timing of the recall complaining it clashed with Ukip's annual party conference.
Such a move will mark the first time British Combat forces have played an active role in the country since they withdrew five years ago. Mr Cameron discussed the plan on Wednesday afternoon with the Labour leader Ed Miliband who will support the Commons motion and the Cabinet will meet later today.
The decision came after a official request was made for British help by the new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. Mr Miliband said he would be supporting the Government.
In another important move Mr Cameron also met the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani – the first time the leaders of the two countries have had a meeting since the Iranian revolution in 1979. “We cannot turn away from the threat of Isis which is a murderous organisation, has taken British hostages, threatens the stability of the region and is therefore a threat to the UK's national interest.
Afterwards Mr Cameron was overheard telling an overheard telling an aide that it represented “A little bit of history made”. “That is why we will be supporting the Government's proposal for UK air strikes in Iraq against Isis.
Downing Street said the pair acknowledged that there had been significant differences between the two countries in the past, but agreed that they should seek to “progressively improve our bilateral relationship”. “We will learn the lessons of the past - but we will not turn away from threats to our national interest.”
They said this would help build mutual trust and create the environment in which issues such as the future of Iran's nuclear programme could be successfully addressed.  The move will mark the first time British Combat forces have played an active role in the country since they withdrew five years ago. However their will be no UK involvement in air strikes in Syria and will not involve 'boots on the ground'.
Mr Cameron also welcome the support the Iranian Government had given to the new Government of Iraq, and its efforts to promote more inclusive governance for all Iraqis. The decision came after an official request was made for British help by the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
He argued that a similar approach was needed in Syria, to promote a transition to a new Government capable of representing all Syrians. In another important move Mr Cameron also met the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani - the first time the leaders of the two countries have had a meeting since the Iranian revolution in 1979.
There have been unofficial contacts for days between the Labour leadership and Downing Street and Labour now looks likely to back action in Iraq. Afterwards Mr Cameron was overheard telling an aide that it represented “a little bit of history made”.
However there are big doubts on all sides about the legality of action in Syria, despite the American-led attacks today. Downing Street said the pair acknowledged that there had been significant differences between the two countries in the past, but agreed that they should seek to “progressively improve our bilateral relationship.”
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Speaker has agreed to the Prime Minister’s request to recall Parliament this Friday to debate the UK’s response to the request from the Iraqi Government for air strikes to support operations against ISIL in Iraq. They said this would help build mutual trust and create the environment in which issues such as the future of Iran's nuclear programme could be successfully addressed.
“The Commons will meet on Friday for a debate on a substantive motion. The Prime Minister will open the debate and the Deputy Prime Minister will close the debate.  The Prime Minister has called a meeting of the Cabinet tomorrow at 1pm.” Mr Cameron also welcome the support the Iranian Government had given to the new government of Iraq, and its efforts to promote more inclusive governance for all Iraqis.
‘That’s a bit of history made,’ David Cameron is reported to have said after meeting Iran’s President, Hassan Rouhani, at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday in New York (Getty)  
He argued that a similar approach was needed in Syria, to promote a transition to a new government capable of representing all Syrians.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Speaker has agreed to the Prime Minister's request to recall Parliament this Friday to debate the UK's response to the request from the Iraqi Government for air strikes to support operations against Isis in Iraq.
“The Commons will meet on Friday for a debate on a substantive motion. The Prime Minister will open the debate and the Deputy Prime Minister will close the debate.”
Nick Clegg said his party would support the motion.
“Liberal Democrats will support the air strikes in Iraq for the following reasons.
“Firstly because it is legal, it's been requested by the Iraqi government to help them rid themselves of the threat of Isis.
“Secondly it's part of a much bigger coalition, a whole array of countries crucially including a number of Arab countries which deprives Isis of the ability to somehow portray it as a West versus the rest crusade.
“Thirdly it will not now nor in the future involve British combat forces on the ground; and fourthly because the decision will only be taken after a debate and a vote in the House of Commons, not just by the Government - on behalf of the country as a whole.”