Cameron offers spy help to fight Algerian terror

The Prime Minister said a new security partnership could see greater intelligence-sharing to tackle extremists linked to al-Qaida and joint planning for major incidents.

The plans emerged as Mr Cameron became the first UK premier to visit the North African country for 50 years, just days after the hostage crisis at the In Amenas gas plant, during which 37 foreign workers, including six Britons, were killed.

In a further sign of the importance attached to the relationship, MI6 chief Sir John Sawers and National Security Adviser Sir Kim Darroch joined the trip.

At a press conference following talks with Algerian counterpart Abdelmalek Sellal, Mr Cameron reiterated the importance of a “tough and intelligent” response to the growing terror threat .

“Both Britain and Algeria are countries that have suffered from terrorism and we understand each other’s suffering,” he said. “What we have agreed is a strengthened partnership that looks at how we combat terrorism and how we improve security of this region.

“This should be about sharing our perspectives, about the risks and dangers that there are, but also sharing expertise.”

The countries are proposing to boost co-operation on issues such as border and aviation security, and preventing the spread of extremist ideology.

Britain has also invited Algeria to take part in a joint contingency planning exercise to share experiences in crisis response.

Mr Cameron defended the decision to boost Britain’s contribution to the intervention against rebels in neighbouring Mali and denied the UK – which is now providing up to 330 military personnel for training and air support – was at risk of getting into another Iraq or Afghanistan-style campaign.

Britain had “learned the lessons of the past”, he said: “These problems are not dealable with through security measures alone.”

Earlier, Mr Cameron said: “We don’t look at this region of the world and think that the answer is purely a military one. It is not. What is required in countries like Mali, just as countries like Somalia on the other side of Africa, is that combination of tough approach on security, aid, politics, settling grievances and problems.”

France, Mali’s former colonial ruler, began sending in troops, helicopters and warplanes on January 11 in a bid to prevent an advance by Islamic extremists who have taken over the north of the country.

Britain has provided two RAF C-17 transport aircraft to support the French operation as well as offering to share intelligence with Paris, with British personnel involved in an EU training mission to the country.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said last night Britain is offering to send human rights experts to provide training to the Malian armed forces on preventing and responding to sexual violence as part of the EU mission.