US back in Iraq but David Cameron refuses to match Obama's airstrikes on 'barbaric' terrorists

David Cameron has condemned “barbaric” terrorist attacks in Iraq but said he has no plans to match America’s response of airstrikes.

17:20 08 August 2014

Prime Minister David Cameron has condemned “barbaric attacks” by terrorists in Iraq but has refused to add military support to the situation.

Instead of matching America’s promise of strategic airstrikes, he said that the British government would focus on helping those who have been affected particularly those who are in grave need of food, water, and shelter in the Sinjar area.

“I am especially concerned for the minority Yazidi community now trapped on Mount Sinjar, where they have fled for their lives. They fear slaughter if they descend back down the slopes but face starvation and dehydration if they remain on the mountain. The world must help them in their hour of desperate need.”

Commenting on US President Barack Obama’s announcement of possible airstrikes should the lives of its troops in Iraq are put at risk, he added: “I welcome President Obama’s decision to accept the Iraqi Government’s request for help and to conduct targeted US airstrikes, if necessary, to help Iraqi forces as they fight back against ISIL terrorists to free the civilians trapped on Mount Sinjar.

"And I fully agree with the President that we should stand up for the values we believe in – the right to freedom and dignity, whatever your religious beliefs.”

The Foreign Office has this morning advised British nationals not to travel to the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, as the security situation there deteriorates.