KEIGHLEY MP Kris Hopkins has welcomed the extension of UK airstrikes against ISIL/Daesh from Iraq into Syria.

He spoke after 397 MPs from six different political parties last night approved a Government motion in favour of military action, a majority of 174.

Four RAF Tornado jets have since targeted oil fields in eastern Syria which act as a vital source of revenue for ISIL/Daesh.

Mr Hopkins said: “It is the first duty of Government to protect its citizens and I strongly believe that by taking the fight against ISIL/Daesh to areas of Syria where its terrorists are concentrated, we are doing just that.

“There is a clear link between those ISIL/Daesh butchers running terrorist cells across the so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria and the psychopaths who murdered 130 innocent people in Paris just weeks ago.

“We also know that seven attempted attacks in the UK have been stopped because of the excellence of our security services.

“The RAF brings particular expertise to coalition operations, particularly with the use of precision weapons and unmanned drones.

“This evidenced by the fact that no civilian deaths have been caused by UK forces since we restarted military engagements in Iraq.

“The extended military action has also been approved unanimously by the UN Security Council – a very rare occurrence – which authorised the use of ‘all necessary measures’ to combat the activities of ISIL/Daesh, and I would encourage people to read the text of the UN resolution which is posted on my website.

“Like MPs from all parties, I was lobbied hard by my constituents in advance of the House of Commons vote and I respect the sincere opinions expressed.

“But the terrorist threat to us is real and we must play our part in combatting this rather than leaving it to others.

“I supported the Government motion and I steadfastly support our servicemen and women now involved in military operations on our behalf in both Iraq and Syria.

“I hope our country will now unite behind their brave and professional endeavours to degrade and destroy the evil embodied by ISIL/Daesh.”

Mr Hopkins' stance has already provoked local opposition.

Responding to his announcement that he had backed the Government's argument in favour of bombing Syria, Kevin Campbell-Wright, spokesman for The Green Party in The Worth Valley said: "Hate, fear and a drive for power have motivated far too many people to take violent action against innocent people, leaving many with feelings of despair, grief and a desire for vengeance.

"Bombing Syria, as Green Party activists and politicians have long noted, is going to kill or isolate innocent people and create a new generation of people who hate.

"If the billions needed for war were invested in tackling poverty, education and empowerment in communities in the UK and abroad, we could instead become a place of sanctuary and hope, two words that will terrify hate filled fanatics more than any bombs. 

"Kris Hopkins MP has continued to participate in a government that is cutting vital community services, while supporting these actions, which we see as divisive.

"He, along with Labour MPs who defied their leader's vision, must reflect on whether they are part of a progressive movement for positive change, or whether some of their actions could in fact create more of the very movements they aim to punish and destroy."