MPs have overwhelmingly backed UK air strikes against so-called Islamic State in Syria, by 397 votes to 223, after an impassioned 10-hour Commons debate.

Four Tornado jets have flown out of RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, since the vote. Their destination has not been confirmed.

A total of 66 Labour MPs sided with the government as David Cameron secured a larger than expected Commons majority.

The PM said they had "taken the right decision to keep the country safe" but opponents said the move was a mistake.

A further four fighter jets are on standby at the air base, which is used to launch bombing missions to Iraq.

BBC political correspondent Robin Brant said while the Ministry of Defence was not confirming where the jets were heading, it "would not be surprising" if they were bound for Syria.

He said the RAF "has been preparing to be involved in these air strikes", joining the coalition of other Western forces attacking IS in Syria, "for months".

(BBC)