Britain must take lead in saving ancient sites from Isis, urges MP

Robert Jenrick's warning came amid reports that Isis had killed 400 people in Palmyra
Robert Jenrick's warning came amid reports that Isis had killed 400 people in Palmyra
JOSEPH EID./ GETTY IMAGES

Britain “needs to put its money where its mouth is” to save ancient sites from jihadists, the MP leading the campaign to prevent acts of cultural vandalism has said.

Robert Jenrick, Conservative MP for Newark and a former director of Christie’s, has criticised the lack of attention and resources dedicated to tackling the destruction of ancient monuments, libraries and artefacts.

His warning came amid reports yesterday that Islamic State had killed 400 people since taking over the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, home to some of the world’s most extensive and best preserved Roman ruins. Isis fighters seized the city on Wednesday.

Syrian state media reported that at least 400 civilians had been killed and although it was not immediately possible to verify the claim,