Redditch MP calls for tighter security after Algeria hostage crisis

Buy photos »

REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley has called for tighter security in Algeria and other African countries following the hostage crisis at a gas plant which resulted in the deaths of over 60 people.

Mrs Lumley's husband Richard worked in the country for a number of years on a base near to the one that was attacked by militants with links to al-Qaeda.

During a debate on the crisis on Monday, Mrs Lumley expressed sympathy with those affected and those still working in the industry.

"A few years ago, it could have been me waiting for news from Algeria," she said.

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said the aim of the kidnappers was to 'blow up the gas plant'. A number of hostages were killed by the militants before Algerian special forces launched a final assault on the plant on Saturday (January 19). At least 37 hostages have been killed, three of which were British, and 29 kidnappers.

Speaking after the debate Mrs Lumley said: "It is vital national oil companies urgently review their security procedures to protect all of their staff.

"There are many thousands of UK nationals based abroad and we need to make sure this does not happen again.

"My heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones. There is always a risk to working in countries like Algeria but you never think it will happen to you."

Prime Minister David Cameron said he had spoken to BP and urged companies to recognise their responsibilities, look at all modern levels of threat and decide what they needed to do for themselves and with the countries in which they were located.

Regional news »