This morning’s headlines include news that the UN security council has urged all countries to join the fight against ISIL after unanimously passing a resolution proposed by France, calling on capable member states to coordinate their efforts. In Belgium the Government has increased the terror threat rating in the capital, Brussels, to its highest level, saying there is an imminent danger of attack.
ISIL UN resolution/vote
Bulletins and online reports this morning (including BBC and BBC R4 Today) say that the French-drafted UN resolution passed unanimously last night sent a clear message to ISIL. Reports say the resolution did not include a commitment to military activity, but add that the diplomatic momentum is seen as giving fresh impetus for UK activity. The Prime Minister issued a statement after the decision:
The UN resolution on ISIL is an important moment. Today, the world has united against ISIL. The international community has come together and has resolved to defeat this evil, which threatens people of every country and every religion. The United Nations Security Council has unanimously backed action against this evil death cult in both Syria and Iraq. It has also reiterated its determination to secure a political solution to the conflict in Syria.
Today’s vote shows beyond doubt the breadth of international support for doing more in Syria and for decisive action to eradicate ISIL. Britain will continue to support our allies who are fighting ISIL in Syria. I will continue to make the case for us to do more and to build support in Parliament for the action that I believe is necessary for Britain to take to protect our own security, as part of a determined international strategy.We cannot expect others to shoulder the burdens and the risks of protecting this country.
Russian strikes
Following yesterday’s coverage of the RAF Typhoon QRA interception of Russian Blackjack bombers in the Atlantic, today’s Telegraph reports that the aircraft were heading from northern Europe towards the Mediterranean where multiple strikes on Syria were carried out. The BBC website covers the story. One image picked up widely is of a Russian bomb with the graffiti ‘For Paris’ marked in Russian on the side, according to reports.
