UK not informed of Algerian action

Jan 17 2013

Britain was not informed in advance of the Algerian decision to stage a military intervention in the hostage crisis, Downing Street has said.

David Cameron was told that an operation was under way only when he telephoned the Algerian prime minister at 11.30am, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

The Prime Minister made clear that he would have preferred to be informed in advance, but the Algerians said they had had to act "immediately".

"The Prime Minister is extremely concerned. It is a very grave and serious situation," the spokesman said.