David Cameron condemns killing of James Foley

DAVID Cameron has condemned the on-screen beheading of a journalist and said it seems “increasingly likely” that a British jihadist carried out the murder.

David Cameron has said it is 'increasingly likely' that Foley's killing was carried out by a British jihadist. Picture: PA

The Prime Minister said the killing of kidnapped American reporter James Foley by Islamic State (IS) extremists was “brutal and barbaric”.

But he insisted the act would not change the Government’s approach to tackling the group in Iraq and Syria.

Speaking to reporters in Number 10, Mr Cameron said: “Let me condemn the barbaric and brutal act that has taken place and let’s be clear what this act is - it is an act of murder, and murder without any justification.

“We have not identified the individual responsible, but from what we have seen it looks increasingly likely that it is a British citizen.

“This is deeply shocking. But we know that far too many British citizens have travelled to Iraq and travelled to Syria to take part in extremism and violence. And what we must do is redouble all all our efforts to stop people from going.

“To take away the passports of those contemplating travel, to arrest and prosecute those who take part in this extremism and violence. To take extremist material off the internet and do everything we can to keep our people safe. And that is what this Government will do.”