WATCH: UK parliament votes overwhelmingly in favour of the use of airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq.
LONDON – British lawmakers have voted to join the U.S.-led coalition of nations launching airstrikes on Islamic State group militants in Iraq, committing warplanes to the struggle against the extremists.
Prime Minister David Cameron described the moves as critical to national security, arguing that facing down terrorists has become a matter of urgency.
He made a passionate plea that spelled out the consequences of inaction in drastic terms – noting that the militants had beheaded their victims, gouged out eyes and carried out crucifixions to promote goals from the “Dark Ages.”
The vote was 524-43.
Earlier in the day, Belgium and Denmark also voted to join the coalition.
Britain is expected to deploy Tornado fighters, which are in Cyprus – within striking distance of northern Iraq.
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