New military focus ahead as PM presses for air strikes

David Cameron told MPs he will outline a ‘comprehensive’ strategy on Thursday for tackling the terrorist network, whose so-called caliphate covers parts of Iraq and Syria.

Unveiling the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) to MPs, Mr Cameron said IS was “not some remote problem thousands of miles away”.

“It has already taken the lives of British hostages and carried out the worst attack against British people since 7/7 on the beaches of Tunisia, to say nothing of the seven terrorist plots right here in Britain that have been foiled by our security services over the past year,” he said.

Contrary to the advice of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Cameron said he will make the case for Britain to join its ‘international allies’, notably France, in going after Isil in their headquarters in Syria, not just in Iraq.

His statement on military action in Syria comes as his defence review sets out how the military will change its focus over the next five years to deal with new and emerging threats.

There will be a greater focus on capabilities such as reconnaissance, special forces and intelligence.

Its new SDSR was assessed again following the Paris attacks and the MoD is confident the plans give the country the best opportunity to deal with a threat.

The plan also set out heavily-trailed plans for two new Army 5,000-strong “strike brigades” capable of deploying rapidly around the world as well as an extra £12 billion of equipment funding.

However the MoD’s civilian workforce will be reduced by almost 30 per cent to 41,000 over the next five years.

There will also be a new “pay model” for armed forces personnel and the phasing out of commitment bonuses. The plans also include a 30 per cent reduction in the MoD’s estate, with bases set to be axed in over the coming years.