The defence secretary has rejected as “simply wrong” suggestions that British involvement in airstrikes against Islamic State strongholds in Syria has made the UK more vulnerable to domestic terror attacks.
Michael Fallon said the vote in parliament to extend RAF air strikes into that part of Isis territory was an “important moment” in the international campaign against the extremists. Speaking during a visit to the Pentagon he hailed Britain’s relationship with the US, pledging to build on the strong partnership, and dismissed claims military involvement in Syria exacerbated homegrown terror plots.
Fallon said: “The United States remains our closest strategic partner and we will work together to promote global stability, to protect our shared interests and to deliver prosperity for our people.”
During the joint press conference with US secretary of defence, Ash Carter, Fallon addressed concerns that bombing Syria would increase the threat from Isis – also know as Isil or Daesh – to the UK. He said: “There will be plots against both our countries as we take the fight to Isil-Daesh, just as there have been attacks like those in San Bernardino.