PM tell MPs to keep up strong terror stand

The prime minister has written to more than 40 of his backbench colleagues urging them to keep up their support for strong measures to combat terrorism.

Tony Abbott has urged government MPs to keep giving him their support for national security matters. (AAP)

Tony Abbott has encouraged government MPs to keep giving him their support for strong counter-terrorism measures.

More than 40 backbenchers signed a letter to the prime minister earlier in the week, getting behind his plan to strengthen laws against foreign fighters.

"I have certainly encouraged them to continue to give the government strong backing on national security matters," Mr Abbott told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.