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European powers are increasing pressure for a UN Security Council vote condemning Syria's bloody government crackdown on pro-democracy protests in the country.

Britain, France, Germany and Portugal have circulated a draft resolution that would condemn the government's acts and demand an immediate end to the violence in Syria.

However, the proposal falls short of calling for military action or further UN sanctions against the Syrian government.

"Today in New York, Britain and France will be tabling a resolution at the Security Council condemning the repression and demanding accountability and humanitarian access," David Cameron, the British prime minister, said on Wednesday.

"And if anyone votes against that resolution or tries to veto it, that should be on their conscience," he told parliament members.

A day earlier, Alain Juppe, the French foreign minister, condemned what he called "the repression" in Syria, saying it was getting worse.

"The massacres are on the rise. It is inconceivable that the United Nations remains silent on such a matter," Juppe said.