MPs will discuss how the British government can help rescue civilians from the bombarded Syrian city of Aleppo and provide aid to relieve suffering.

Former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell will press the government and international community to do more to help those trapped as Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's forces and Russian allies take control of the besieged city.

Mr Mitchell secured an emergency debate on the humanitarian crisis and will urge the UK to use its "immense diplomatic muscle" to help broker a ceasefire.

He said: "The debate would enable us to explore with the government how Britain's immense diplomatic muscle, the finest foreign service in the world, can do more to secure a deal that will ensure a ceasefire for at least 24 hours to enable innocent civilians to be rescued from the hideous circumstances which now prevail in east Aleppo.

"Many of these terrified civilians trapped in this hell hole, which now resembles Stalingrad at the end of its destruction, are children.

"They have few places to hide."

The debate was granted shortly after Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon warned it is "almost impossible" to use air drops to get aid into the city while Russia controls the air defences in Syria.