27/02/2015

Prime Minister Defends Security Services Over 'Jihadi John' Criticism

David Cameron has defended the UK security services after it was revealed that the Londoner identified as 'Jihadi John' was known to them.

The man known as 'Jihadi John', who has appeared in a number of Islamic State (IS) videos released online allegedly showing the beheadings of Western hostage, was revealed as Mohammed Emwazi, a 27-year-old Kuwaiti-born man from West London.

Defending security agencies against the criticism that they could have prevented Emwazi from joining IS, the Prime Minister said that these services made "incredibly difficult judgements" on the country's behalf and urged the public to back the security services.

"I meet with them regularly, I ask them searching questions about what they do and in my almost five years' experience as prime minister, I think they are incredibly impressive, hard-working, dedicated, courageous and effective at protecting our country," Mr Cameron said.

"All of the time, they are having to make incredibly difficult judgements and I think basically they make very good judgements on our behalf, and I think whilst we are in the middle of this vast effort to make sure British citizens are safe, the most important thing is to get behind them."

(MH/CD)

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