Cameron, Obama to discuss BP oil spill
A military helicopter with the Louisiana Army National Guard 205th Engineer Battalion picks up bags of sand in Buras, Louisiana on Friday, to be dropped at Pelican Island in Barataria Bay, an area affected by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.Photo: AFP
David Cameron will discuss the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster with President Barack Obama later.
The prime minister has said he is "frustrated and concerned" about the environmental damage caused by the leaking well - owned by BP.
But Downing Street says the telephone conversation with the US president will be "statesmanlike and workmanlike".
BBC business editor Robert Peston said BP was now likely to bow to US pressure and suspend dividends to shareholders.
The oil giant confirmed its directors will meet on Monday to discuss the possibility.
Our correspondent said: "It has taken a while for BP's board to reach the decision that if President Obama wants them to stop paying dividends, perhaps it would be sensible to do so.
"It is looking more likely BP will cease paying the £1.8bn of dividends per quarter it's been delivering to shareholders - until, that is it, can quantify the final bill for the oil debacle and prove it can afford those enormous costs.”
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