Minister Simmonds warns Mali poses 'terror threat' to UK

The Africa minister has warned against allowing a "terrorist haven" to develop in northern Mali, telling MPs the situation was a "serious concern".

Mark Simmonds said it was right for the UK to provide "limited support" to help French military efforts against Islamist rebels. Two RAF C17 cargo planes are assisting, with technical personnel sent to Mali's capital to help.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Mr Simmonds said: "The situation in Mali is a serious concern for the UK. It would not be in our interests to allow a terrorist haven to develop in northern Mali.