OXFORDSHIRE’S MPs have voted in favour of air strikes on Iraq in response to the threat of the Islamic State.

They voted following a seven-hour debate in the House of Commons today.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood, Wantage MP Ed Vaizey, Witney MP David Cameron, Henley MP John Howell and Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry all voted in favour.

Addressing the House of Commons earlier today, Mr Cameron said: “The question before the House today is how we keep the British people safe from the threat posed by Isil and, in particular, what role our armed forces should play in the international coalition to dismantle and ultimately destroy what President Obama has rightly called this network of death.

“There is no more serious an issue than asking our armed forces to put themselves in harm's way to protect our country.

“This is not a threat on the far side of the world.

“Left unchecked, we will face a terrorist caliphate on the shores of the Mediterranean, bordering a Nato member, with a declared and proven determination to attack our country and our people.

“This is not the stuff of fantasy - it is happening in front of us and we need to face up to it.”

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith was not in Parliament for personal reasons.

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