Hollande urges UK MPs to support Cameron’s call for action against IS

“Man is the worst enemy of man and this applies for both terrorism and environment,” France’s President Francois Hollande said.

Speaking in Malta following a special Commonwealth session on climate change, Hollande said human beings were destroying nature, damaging the environment and thus, they had to face up to their responsibility.

“If we want to destroy terrorism … for a number of weeks I’ve been travelling the world to call on European countries and all countries for which tackling terrorism is relevant,” he went on to add.

The French President expressed his hopes that the House of Commons meets David Cameron’s request. Cameron told MPs that the UK launching air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria would make the UK stronger.

Cameron told MPs the UK was already a target for IS and could not "outsource our security to allies".

Labour is split, with some shadow ministers backing bombing but leader Jeremy Corbyn opposing action. Cameron said he will hold a Commons vote on Syria air strikes if he thinks he can win it, possibly as early as next week.

He told MPs there was strong legal justification for extending the current military action in Iraq, on grounds of self-defence and the recent UN Security Council resolution.

Hollande also welcomed Chancellor Angela Merkel’s statement that Germany would make available to France the necessary support in the military campaign against IS militants in Syria.

“This is an unprecedented decision,” he said.

According to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Commonwealth leaders commended France for the “strength and resilience” being shown as a world leader in the fight against terrorism.

UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon arrived in Malta yesterday for the CHOGM climate session. He said, that he was “encouraged” by the strong message delivered by the Commonwealth.

Canada pledged $2.65 billion over the next five years to help developing countries tackle climate change. The Commonwealth leaders agreed to set up a climate change hub to facilitate access to funds for small states.

The COP 21 summit will see leaders present a “credible trajectory” for a $100 billion climate financing.

“It would be premature to pre-judge what can happen during the Paris Summit, but the stars are aligned in one direction. I urge civil society leaders and people on the ground to urge their leaders create a better world for our succeeding generations to live in peace and harmony,” Ban said.

He however urged states to raise their level of ambition.

Ban went on to add that the countries “will not be deterred” by the horrible terror attacks.