The British extremist responsible for the on-screen beheading of hostages has reportedly been identified, as MPs prepare to vote on whether the UK should join air strikes against Islamic State (IS).

David Cameron has insisted Britain will refuse to pay ransoms to terrorists in return for the release of hostages, as Islamic State (IS) militants threaten a Briton’s life.

The US will not be sending more troops into combat in Iraq to deal with Islamic militants, but will explore “a range of other options”, Barack Obama has said.