Should the government pay a ransom when people are taken hostage?

I can't think of a better way to encourage the kidnapping of British citizens than paying a ransom.

The government should not even consider paying a ransom.

In fact governments all over the world do pay ransom demands, but they don;t make it public and it is not handled by politicians.

In the UK, it is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that handles such matters through negotiations. Senior Officers oversee all the arrangements and usually settle such matters for a fraction of the original demand. They also negotiate with war lords and others in places like Afghanistan. Even mercenary elements of the Taliban have been paid off in this way.

Naturally, although organised criminals all over the world know this goes on, it doesn't suit them to make it common knowledge either as it would dry up the hostage industry overnight.

I much as it would be a good thing to be able to come to a quick solution we can not cooperate with terrorists.

We should not hold back the SBS and the Royal Navy like what human rights and westminster have done in the past.

Strike Hard Strike Sure

It sets a very bad precedent. Paying a ransom will only serve to make British citizens vulnerable to ransom rooted abductions.

Traveling into harms way should be by the choice of the tourists and taking the risks should be the responsibilities of the travelers-- this includes paying ransoms.

I feel that while we should co-operate with criminals, we shouldn't pay ransoms, because I feel that sets a precedent. Can you imagine them looking up the "cost centre code" at Horseguards:-

"Right codes, codes, what are we looking for Expenses, nope, catering, nope, aah here it is ransoms..."

Paying kidnappers encourages more kidnapping. The government would be reinforcing bad behavior.

Yes, give them the money, then shoot the evil somalian rapists in the face and take the money and the people home.

No. If they do it once then they'll end up doing it all the time. It will put every UK citizen at risk when travelling overseas.

Never. See countries like Colombia who have huge problems with kidnapping. Why? Because they're always paid, so it encourages more kidnappings.