Web firms have 'social responsibilities' in battle against extremism, Cameron warns during speech to Australian parliament

Australia's prime minister Tony Abbott said he 'admired' Mr Cameron for his 'robust commonsense'

David Cameron addressing the Australian parliament in Canberra

David Cameron has warned internet companies that it is their “social responsibility” to take down extremist material, such as images of beheadings and recruitment videos, from the web.

Addressing Australia's parliament in Canberra ahead of this weekend's G20 summit, Mr Cameron said the British government is “pushing companies to do more”, such as strengthening online filters.

“This is their (companies') social responsibility,” he said. “And we expect them to live up to it. And as we confront this extremism together, let's have faith in what our modern societies can offer.”

He also confirmed plans to prevent British jihadists returning to the country for two years if they don't comply with certain conditions.

In a thinly-veiled dig at Russia and China, he also said that there is an “incipient creeping threat to our values... In particular, an approach that is free from accountability of real democracy and the rule of law”.

The dig comes ahead of Mr Cameron seeing Russian President Vladimir Putin at this weekend's summit.

Mr Cameron, who was watched by his aunt Caroline, who lives in Australia, praised the country for going 23 years without recession. He also pointed out that “Britain's economy has turned a corner” with employment up by 1.75 million over then past four years.

Australia's prime minister Tony Abbott said he “admired” Mr Cameron, for “robust commonsense” and cutting the deficit by a third. He argued: “Britain counts for more than it did five years ago” before the Coalition came to power.

However, Frances O'Grady, the director general of the Trade Union Congress who is also in Australia for the G20 summit, countered: “Living standards are still under pressure in both countries and zero hours jobs are on the rise.”

She also criticised Mr Cameron and Mr Abbott for “patting themselves on the back” when workers “aren't feeling” economic improvement.