The atrocities that we can see being committed by Islamic State militants in Northern Iraq are indefensible tragedies of the most extreme proportions.
The indiscriminate massacre of the Christian and the Yazidi people - men, women and children alike - on this horrific scale, has no place in the modern world and should be confronted with steadfast resistance.
Britain has unique military capabilities and it is only right that these should be extended to preserve the lives of innocent civilians. We simply cannot, and should not, stand idly by and witness the unlawful and thoughtless slaughter of families in their homes, on the streets and in the mountains. It is unthinkable that anybody alive today should be forced to choose between starvation or execution.
It is vital that support is offered wherever possible and that we act within our means to defend innocent civilians against the brutal extremism of Islamic State. These severe acts of terrorism must be met with robust force and be universally condemned. I strongly believe that we should carry out immediate targeted airstrikes to hold back attacks by Islamist insurgents; whilst making humanitarian aid drops to support groups fleeing from persecution. Where it is clear that a grave threat to freedom and democracy exists, we must act.