Former top lawyer says anti-terror laws 'may not be legal'

The majority of the British public still oppose airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, according to a poll.

Research by ComRes for the Independent found 35% of people thought the UK should take the action, compared to 50% who disagreed.

The idea of committing ground troops is even less popular, with just 20% in favour and 69% opposed.

The findings emerged after David Cameron again refused completely to rule out joining an international air campaign against IS.

Some 61% supported taking away the passports and citizenship of Britons suspected of joining the extremist group.

ComRes interviewed 1,001 adults by telephone between August 29 and 31. Data were weighted to represent the population and by past vote recall.

More: Communities need help to stop extremism at its roots

Two senior members of Parliament have voiced their concerns that the government's proposed expansion of existing anti-terrorism legislation may not be legal under international law.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell suggested the proposal to exclude UK nationals from Britain "might not be legal", not least because of obligations under international law.

Former Attorney General Dominic Grieve said he shared the concerns expressed about preventing British nationals from returning.

More: Labour 'unclear' on government anti-terror plans

Despite say that they were willing to work with the government on new anti-terrorism plans, the Shadow Home Secretary said that Labour were still "unclear" as to what anti-terror measures the government were proposing

Labour will work with the government on plans to deal with the terror threat that the UK faces, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said in an official statement.

More: PM: Adhering to British values 'not a choice'

The United Nations Human Rights Council has agreed to send a mission to Iraq to investigate all abuses by the Islamic State and "associated terror groups", Reuters has reported.

The Council also condemned violations by the Islamic State that "may amount to war crimes."

More: Senior British Muslims back fatwa against Islamic State

Adhering to British values is not an option or a choice, the Prime Minister said in a statement to the House of Commons, as he outlined new anti-terrorism measures.

Read: Cameron unveils series of new anti-terror measures

In addition to tighter passport controls, new powers will be introduced to further enhance existing terrorism prevention and investigation measures (Tpims), including "stronger locational constraints", the Prime Minister has announced.

In a statement to the House of Commons, the Prime Minister also said:

More: Cameron unveils series of new anti-terror measures

The police will be given temporary powers to seize passports at UK borders of British citizens they suspect could be travelling abroad to fight with terror groups, Prime Minister David Cameron has said to the House of Commons.