PM's statement to Parliament on opposition to ISIL terrorism
Following murder of American journalist Steven Sotloff, Prime Minister David Cameron made a statement on opposition to ISIL.
Read more about the UK government’s response to the situation in Iraq.
I am sure the whole House, and the whole country, will join with me in condemning the sickening and brutal murder of another American hostage, and share our shock and anger that it again appears to have been carried out by a British citizen.
All our thoughts are with the British hostage and his family. Their ordeal is unimaginable.
Let me be very clear: this country will never give in to terrorism. Our opposition to ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) will continue, at home and abroad.
It is important that we are clear about the nature of the threat we are facing. It makes no distinction between cultures, countries and religions. There is no way to appease it. The only way to defeat it is to stand firm, and to send a very straightforward message.
A country like ours will not be cowed by these barbaric killers. If they think we will weaken in the face of their threats, they are wrong. It will have the opposite effect. We will be more forthright in defence of the values – liberty, under the rule of law, democracy and freedom – that we hold dear.
And I am sure that this united message will go out from this House today.