David Cameron described Islamic extremism as an 'epidemic'

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The Prime Minister made the comments as he vowed to use military force and tougher counter-terrorism laws to stop a Paris style terror attack happening on British soil.



Mr Cameron also described extremism as "an epidemic" in his first speech since the atrocities carried out by Islamic State (ISIS) jihadis in the French capital.



The terror attacks, which targeted the Bataclan concert venue, the Stade de France football stadium along with cafes and restaurants, left 129 people dead in total.

It is not good enough to say simply that Islam is a religion of peace and then to deny any connection between the religion of Islam and the extremists David Cameron

Discussing what drives Islamic extremists at the annual Lord Mayor’s Banquet, Mr Cameron said: "Of course, this extremist ideology is not true Islam.



"That cannot be said clearly enough.



"But it is not good enough to say simply that Islam is a religion of peace and then to deny any connection between the religion of Islam and the extremists.



"Why? Because these extremists are self identifying as Muslims."

Mr Cameron was making his first speech since the Paris terror attacks

Mr Cameron went on to issue a rallying call on how Muslims can challenge such extremist voices.



He said: "From Tunisia to the streets of Paris - these murderers all spout the same twisted narrative that claims to be based on a particular faith.



"So to deny that is to disempower the critical, reforming voices that want to challenge the scriptural basis of which extremists claim to be acting.



"The voices which are crucial in providing an alternative world view that could stop a teenager slip along the spectrum of extremism.



"We cannot stand neutral in this battle of ideas."

The Paris terror attacks left at least 129 people dead

Mr Cameron also revealed a further £2billion will be spent on the SAS and other special forces to help fight terrorism.



It is understood that the money will not be used on a recruitment drive, but will fund new weapons and vehicles - possibly including helicopters - protective equipment, night-fighting kit and communications.



The Conservative leader also said Britain must show the same resolve it displayed against Hitler during the Blitz in order to defeat the threat from ISIS.

David Cameron also announced an extra £2bn funding for the SAS to help fight terrorism

Speaking in London's Guildhall, which was badly damaged by German bombers during the Second World War, the Prime Minister recalled how Sir Winston Churchill had vowed that "however long and hard the toil may be the British nation would never enter into negotiations with Hitler".



And he added: "It is that same resolve that will defeat this terrorism and ensure that the values we believe in - and the values we defend - will again in the end prevail."

Paris Terror Attack 2015: One year on Sun, November 13, 2016 Terrorists slaughtered 130 people during a series of coordinated terror attacks in Paris on Friday 13th November 2015. The attacks took place at the Bataclan concert hall, Boulevard Voltaire, Belle Equipe bar, rue Fontaine au Roi, Petit Cambodge restaurant, and Le Carillon bar. Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 86 French President Francois Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo lay a wreath of flowers as they unveil a commemorative plaque next to the