UK May Expand Role in Mali

But still not planning on combat

The UK government is to discuss offering more help to French forces fighting Islamist rebels in Mali.

Two military aircraft have already been lent and David Cameron has said there could be further assistance with transport and surveillance.

But the Ministry of Defence says there are no plans for a ground combat role.

Following British deaths in an attack on a gas plant in Algeria by Islamist militants, Mr Cameron said north Africa was becoming a "magnet for jihadists".