The RAF has flown 37 combat missions and conducted 10 successful strikes over Iraq since parliament authorised UK involvement in the international campaign last month, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has confirmed.

He said Britain was making a "significant" contribution to the fight against IS, formerly Isis, by training Kurdish troops and supplying more than 320 tonnes of weapons, ammunition and military equipment.

The Tory minister told the Commons during defence questions: "Since the vote in this House, the RAF has flown 37 combat missions, conducting ten successful strikes, providing valuable intelligence and surveillance and helping to halt IS' advance."

He was responding to a question from Conservative MP Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) who also asked what steps were being taken to avoid civilian casualties.

Mr Fallon said all air strikes were being conducted under UK rules of engagement which he had agreed, in accordance with the law, ahead of the campaign.

He said: "Close observation, careful selection and approval of targets before a strike and the use of precision weapons such as Brimstone and Paveway minimise collateral damage and the potential for civilian casualties."

Mr Fallon was later asked by Labour's Gisela Stuart (Birmingham and Edgbaston) what discussions he had had with his Turkish counterparts regarding the active contribution they will be playing in dealing with the threat of IS.

He said that the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary had been talking to Britain's allies about the role the Turkish government could play in the Middle East.