Air strikes on ISIL: US welcomes UK parliament vote

Washington says it is “pleased” that the UK parliament has voted to approve air strikes against ISIL insurgents in Iraq.

On Friday, British MPs voted for military action by 524 votes to 43 following a seven hour debate.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the decision showed a “strong” and “growing” coalition was forming among America’s European allies for the retaliatory effort.

“We certainly welcome the recent vote that occurred in the British Parliament indicating their strong support for the plan that the President has put forward for dealing with the threat posed by ISIL,” he said.

“The United States and the United Kingdom have a special relationship and we are pleased to see the strong support from members of Parliament for members of the British military working alongside U.S. servicemen and men in pursuit of this goal,” Earnest added.

Washington began airstrikes on ISIL targets more than a month ago.

Earlier British Prime Minister David Cameron warned that if left unchecked, ISIL could be a direct threat to the country.

A similar vote last year saw plans to join US military action against Syria rejected by MPs. That decision was an embarrassment for Cameron, threatening traditionally close ties across the Atlantic.