Iraq crisis: UK 'will play role' in rescue mission, says Cameron

Britain will "play a role" in an international mission to rescue stranded Yazidi refugees in Iraq, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.

Speaking after chairing a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee on the crisis, he said "detailed plans" were being put in place for the operation.

The UK has made a third round of aid drops to help the thousands fleeing Islamist militants across mountains.

''We need a plan to get these people off that mountain and get them to a place of safety,'' he said.

''There are detailed plans now being drawn up - Britain will play a role,'' he added.