Britain vows ‘no ransom to terrorists’

David Cameron has insisted Britain will refuse to pay ransoms to terrorists in return for the release of hostages, as Islamic State (IS) militants threaten a Briton’s life.

The prime minister told the House of Commons he has no doubts that millions of dollars raised by IS, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (Isil), from ransom payments is used to promote terrorism affecting the UK.

And he said Britain will continue with its policy not to pay ransoms in cases of terrorist kidnap, adding the UK needed to ensure other countries are also “good to their word”.