A British volunteer fighting against Isis forces in northern Syria has called on David Cameron to do more to help the Kurds in their push against the extremist jihadists.



Macer Gifford, from Oxford, said Britain needs to help the Kurds because they are willing to put “boots on the ground” to take on Isis and because “it is the right thing to do”.



He urged the Prime Minister to waive concerns about upsetting Turkey, which has been struggling against Kurdish separatist forces for decades, and to provide hardware and political backing to the Kurds.



“I feel really strongly that the British government must get on the side of the Kurds. We don’t want boots on the ground here – that is not the answer. But we need political support, and equipment too,” he said.



“I know that Britain doesn’t want to support the Kurds because of Turkish pressure. But we shouldn’t worry about what the Turks think – we should support the Kurds, because it is the right thing to do. Who else will take the fight to Isil [Isis]?”



Mr Gifford left his home just before Christmas to volunteer to fight with the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) against Isis. He had been about to take up a lucrative job in the City but decided to swap a comfortable future for the dangers of the front line.



“I’m not here for money or fame – I’m not being paid,” he said in an interview published in the Daily Telegraph. “I was sitting at my desk and watching it all with increasing horror. Islamic State is a barbaric, vile organisation. I wanted to help, and thought for a while about working with a charity, but this seemed the best for me.”



He has already experienced combat and he strongly believes he is fighting for democracy: “I have always believed very strongly in that. It’s totally wrong to see this as a Christian versus Muslim conflict – I’m an atheist, as are many Kurds, and there are Christians, Muslims, Yazidis, all sorts here.



“There are lots of other foreigners, although Britons are the largest group. Most are former soldiers, although some have just come for their ideals. It’s a really good atmosphere.”



Several dozen Westerners are believed to have volunteered with the Kurds, including Mr Gifford’s Australian friend Ashley Johnston who was killed in February during an assault on Tal Hamis, but the number is tiny compared to the 600 or more Britons who are believed to have joined Isis.



He said of the dangers: “The first time I was shot at, I wasn’t really frightened – I just remember thinking that we had to win. We’ve all thought long and hard about coming here. You weigh the risks up. We are fighting for our beliefs.



“I am trying to avoid talking about dying, because it would upset my family. What I would say is that we all have strong beliefs and values.”



Mr Gifford, has spent the last four months in Syria and is now awaiting orders to join a major push to drive the Isis forces further back.



“I’d be a fool if I wasn’t nervous,” he said. “But I’m here to do a job. If you constantly think about worst case scenarios, then you get crippled. I’m ready for it.”



The Independent