SHOCKING atrocities are being and have been committed by the Islam State Army on all who are not of their extreme beliefs, including aid workers.

After three weeks of air strikes on Islam State Armies in Iraq and Syria by the United States and 40-plus supporting countries – including the Arab states of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon – our Parliament has decided to support the Iraq front with a squadron of RAF Tornados, having had to buy missiles from the United States.

At present useful observation duties are being provided.

Air strikes are reported to have little effect on the opposition, except to temporarily halt the advance then resume after the air strike, close to Baghdad. The Iraq army was trained and equipped at great expense mainly by the United States, yet they struggle to defend their country.

The present opinion of Army experienced commanders is that ultimately “boots on the ground” will be needed to defeat the Islam State invaders.

Arab states have strong forces, some more heavily equipped than Britain with larger air forces even armies. These countries should be defending themselves and their neighbours with “boots on the ground”.

J Beisly, Osprey Close, York.