Campbell presses PM on dissidents

Mr Cameron said he thought decisions were better made in Northern Ireland and that whilst the Government was ready to help it had already made quite a generous settlement through the devolution of Policing and Justice.

Speaking at Westminster Mr Campbell argued: "The dissident terrorist threat is a continuing problem in Northern Ireland, and we have seen some evidence of the terrorists' capabilities in recent months."

He asked: "Will the Prime Minister ensure that if additional resources that were not previously envisaged are deemed necessary by the Chief Constable to deal with such a threat, he will ensure that they are provided without delay?"

Mr Cameron replied: "Of course we keep a very careful eye on the situation in Northern Ireland, and on whether additional resources are required. We stuck to the pledges made by the previous Government about properly funding the devolution of policing and justice.

"I think that decisions are better made locally, which is why that was the right step to take. I know how difficult the security situation is in Northern Ireland, and I pay tribute to police on both sides of the border for the brilliant work that they do.