Updated 11.45pm

THE BRITISH HOUSE of Commons today voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining US-led air strikes on Islamic State targets in Iraq and was soon followed by Belgium’s parliament which approved plans to send in six F-16 fighter jets.

In the UK, the motion, proposed by Prime Minister David Cameron’s government, was passed by 524 votes to 43, a majority of 481.

PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Speaking in the House of Commons today he told MPs “there is no more serious issue than asking our armed forces to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country”.

After the vote in Belgium, the government saidthe fighter jets had taken off for Jordan, where they could begin fighting missions over Iraq as early as tomorrow.

The deployment follows a formal request from Washington earlier in the week, but will be limited to Iraq.

Denmark and the Netherlands have also announced plans to send fighter jets to help combat IS militants.

- With additional reporting from AFP.

First published 6pm

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