Britain on the verge of war with Isis

Labour MP Hilary Benn delivers a rousing speech in favour of airstrikes against Isis. Photo / Twitter

Up to 50 UK Labour MPs have revolted against leader Jeremy Corbyn and voted to back airstrikes against Isis targets in Syria.

The vote ended at 397-223 to launch airstrikes.

Sky News reports that jets have already taken off from Cyprus and are heading to the area of operation where they will begin airstrikes overnight.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the operation would begin "very quickly", Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.

Corbyn called the plan for strikes an "ill-fated twist in never-ending war on terror", but lost the support of his caucus.

Labour MP Hilary Benn stood up in the house and gave a rousing speech in support of action in Syria. He ended saying "my view, Mr Speaker, is that we must now confront this evil. It is now time for us to do our bit in Syria and that is why I ask my colleagues to vote for this motion tonight."

He received loud applause and cheers from both sides of the house.

Applause and cheers after @hilarybennmp speech backing airstrikes on IS in Syria #SyriaVote https://t.co/uIdq2X7vsehttps://t.co/34AeUcfxjk

— ITV News (@itvnews) December 2, 2015