Syria: David Cameron set to double UK's spending on refugees, pledging an extra £1.2bn

The UK is set to double aid to help refugees fleeing their homes in Syria, after Prime Minister David Cameron pledged an additional £1.2bn ($1.75bn) in support.

Ahead of the 4 February Supporting Syria and the Region conference, Cameron's promise of additional funding came with the hope that better infrastructure in Syria's neighbouring countries would prevent refugees making the perilous journey to Europe.

In a statement, Cameron said: "With hundreds of thousands of people risking their lives crossing the Aegean or the Balkans, now is the time to take a new approach to the humanitarian disaster in Syria.

"Today's pledge of more than £2.3bn in UK aid sets the standard for the international community – more money is needed to tackle this crisis and it is needed now.

"But the conference I am hosting today is about more than just money. Our new approach of using fundraising to build stability, create jobs and provide education can have a transformational effect in the region – and create a future model for humanitarian relief.

"And we can provide the sense of hope needed to stop people thinking they have no option but to risk their lives on a dangerous journey to Europe."

Cameron's pledge to double funding was made in the hope that other countries will follow suit as the conference goes on.

Being held in London, the conference will see representatives from more than 70 countries and organisations discuss the situation in Syria, with an overall aim of raising billions in international aid.

The funding, which would be spent over the next four years, is intended to support humanitarian projects, jobs and education in Syria as well as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.

Cameron's pledge comes amid a worsening refugee crisis which has seen more than 4 million people flee Syria since the conflict began.

In the past few days, the King of Jordan told the international community the country had reached saturation point, having taken more than 635,000 UN-registered Syrian refugees, which makes up about 10% of the country's population.

He has asked for an increase in aid to the country, which it is hoped the London conference will be able to address.