The British parliament is expected to approve air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq.

Prime Minister David Cameron pulled parliament from recess for a special session to put the matter to a vote.

He says the militant group which has taken control of parts of Iraq -- as well as Syria -- is a threat to the British people.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, DAVID CAMERON, SAYING:

"This is not a threat on the far side of the world. Left unchecked we will face a terrorist caliphate on the shores of the Mediterranean and bordering a NATO member, with a declared and proven intention to attack our country and our people."

The measure is expected to win easy approval.

It means Britain will join a U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State that now includes France and Middle East allies.

In London, reaction to the news of possible British airstrikes against ISIL was hardly mixed.

(SOUNDBITE) COMMUTER, LIANNE, SAYING:

"Well, if we