The international community has to have a partner with whom to work in Libya and this is why a unity government is needed, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said this afternoon.

He was speaking during a press briefing on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta.

Mr Cameron was asked about the situation in Libya as the international community shifts its focus to Syria in the wake of the Paris attacks, which are linked to Islamic State.

IS have a presence in a Libya divided between two rival governments and UN efforts to forge a unity government have so far proved futile.

Mr Cameron said the international community was working hard for a unity government in Libya because extremist groups took advantage of ungoverned space to flourish.

On Syria he said the military option was needed to target IS but political and diplomatic efforts were needed to ensure a transition government that represented everyone was in place.

He also gave his strongest indication yet that he will call a vote on British airstrikes in Syria despite Jeremy's Corbyn's opposition to action.

The Prime Minister said all MPs would have to make their minds up "when the choice comes".

All MPs would have to make their minds up "when the choice comes

Turning to the Commonwealth summit, Mr Cameron said the organisation must stand for human rights, including LGBTI rights, adding it had to do more. “The Commonwealth can be a force for good,” he said.

He also urged Commonwealth members to battle corruption, which he described as “a cancer”.

The UK has also proposed the creation of an institute within the Commonwealth to combat extremism.

Mr Cameron thanked Malta for its "successful" organisation of CHOGM.