British MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the UK taking part in airstrikes against Islamic State in Iraq.

Labour MP Rushanara Ali who was against the move, has resigned from the front bench following the vote.

The British Prime Minister  warned that Islamic State is a threat to the "streets of Britain" and the UK has a "duty" to confront it militarily.

Britain's House of Commons was packed today for the debate on whether to authorise military action against IS targets in Iraq.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour all back the action, which the coalition says is legal because it was requested by the Iraqi government.

British action would involve airstrikes in Iraq only, with no ground troops involved.

524 MPs voted in favour of the move, while 43 voted against.