Britain can and should step up role in fighting Islamic State, lawmakers say

LONDON – A committee of British lawmakers says in a report that Britain can and should step up its role in fighting the Islamic State group.

Parliament's Defense Select Committee said Britain has the expertise and resources to give more support to Iraqi forces, but the role Britain is playing now is "strikingly modest." The committee criticized British officials for failing to set out a clear definition of Britain's role in Iraq.

The report, published Thursday, did not call for the deployment of British combat troops. But it urged the British government to help by contributing troop training, political support and intelligence.

It also argued that Britain should be prepared to provide an increased level of air support to Iraqi forces.