Our position in terms of paying ransoms has been very clear and consistent. The United Kingdom does not pay ransoms.

As far as 'Syria next on the list', we made clear that it is not,

Your circumstance is entirely hypothetical, and I'm quite clear it won't arise.

What we are discussing is what we have to do, the very clear undertakings given by the European Council at a summit last December and again this June, to lead to an opening of negotiations on October 3rd. I will say that I am reasonably hopeful that this deadline can be met.

The British government's position is that prisoners -- regardless of their technical status -- should be treated humanely and in accordance with customary international law, ... We have always made that clear and the Americans have said they share this view.

In uncertain times you should not just give a knee-jerk response.