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Call For 'More Clarity' From PM On IS Airstrikes

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson has called on the Prime Minister to provide "more clarity" on his plan for fighting IS in Syria, saying a large number of MPs "remain unconvinced".

Parliament will vote on extending airstrikes - currently restricted to Iraq - to IS targets in Syria after a one-day debate on Wednesday.

David Cameron could receive support from dozens of Labour MPs, as well as his own party, after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn confirmed they would get a free vote on the issue.

:: Should UK Go To War In Syria? Pros And Cons

But in a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Watson - one of a number of senior party figures to indicate support for further military action - said Labour MPs' support should not be taken for granted.

He said Mr Cameron needed to provide more detail on his wider strategy for a political transition in Syria to end the country's civil war.

Mr Watson also questioned the PM's claim that there were 70,000 "moderate" opposition fighters on the ground in Syria .

He said Mr Cameron needs to explain how those fighters will help in the IS battle.

Mr Watson wrote: "While many colleagues agree with the compelling moral and legal case for action, a large section of Labour MPs remain unconvinced about two areas in particular and would welcome more clarity on these issues."

He added: "I do not believe you have given proper time to build consensus."

The Cabinet has agreed on the Commons motion setting out the need for military action against the militant group.

:: Read The Full Text Of The Motion

Speaking from Downing Street, Mr Cameron said: "I will be making the arguments and I hope as many Members of Parliament - across all parties - will support me as possible.

"That motion talks about ... the necessity of taking military action against ISIL (IS) in Syria as well as Iraq, but it is part of a broader strategy.

"It's about politics and diplomacy and humanitarian aid, all of which we need to bring to bear to bring peace to Syria but to make sure we protect our national interest of fighting against this appalling terrorist organisation."

:: The Weapons Britain Could Use Against IS

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon claimed in the "fullness of time" the 70,000 moderate fighters could be used to battle IS on the ground.

"Those 70,000 are not all in one place, they are not a new model army drilled outside the walls of Raqqa. They are spread through Syria. They are fighting on a whole range of fronts but they are fighting Assad," he told the Commons Defence Committee.

"One of the reasons for us getting more involved in fighting ISIL in Syria is to relieve the pressure on them so that they are not being squeezed by both sides - by both ISIL and Assad."

:: Syria Airstrikes Debate Exposes Campaign's Flaw

The Labour leader had wanted a two-day debate on the "highly complex situation" and accused Mr Cameron of of "bulldozing" a matter of national security through the Commons "for political convenience".

His decision to grant a free vote to his MPs came amid threats of resignations from the shadow cabinet if he tried to impose his will.

Mr Corbyn will still make clear that the party's official policy is to oppose military action.

Both he and shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn will speak at the despatch box on Wednesday - even though they will vote differently.

Mr Benn praised Mr Corbyn for the way he handled the issue.

"I think he showed his leadership qualities when he came to the shadow cabinet and said we are going to have a free vote," Mr Benn told Sky News.

"He said on Sunday 'I'll decide what the whipping arrangements are' and he realises within the shadow cabinet, the parliamentary party, within other parties in House of Commons, it is clearly the case people of principle holding sincere beliefs have reached different conclusions about what the right thing to do is."

:: Watch coverage of the Syria airstrikes debate and vote in the House of Commons live on Sky News throughout the day on Wednesday