Iraqi action needed to stop IS threat, says Kim Howells

The Iraqi government must take action now to stop Islamist militants claiming more territory across the country, former Foreign Office minister Kim Howells has warned.

His comments come after the US launched a third round of air strikes targeting IS fighters who have trapped members of the Yazidi sect on Mount Sinjar.

The US, France and the UK have begun delivering aid supplies to thousands of displaced residents.

Dr Howells, who was the Labour MP for Pontypridd until 2010, supported the 2003 Iraq invasion but says Britain now does not have the assets to do anything but provide intelligence help.