DAVID CAMERON will today visit Algeria, just two weeks after a terrorist attack at a desert gas plant which resulted in the deaths of six British people, including two Scots.

In a highly unusual move, Downing Street, which normally keeps the Prime Minister's itinerary a secret until the last minute, confirmed last night that he would meet his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmalek Sellal, later today.

Mr Cameron's original plan was to attend an international development conference in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, but, in light of recent events he has now decided to extend his trip.

The Prime Minister has said that the challenge of al Qaeda in north Africa requires a global response and could take decades to overcome.

Some 37 foreigners, at least 10 Algerians and dozens of terrorists died in the attack on the In Amenas gas plant, which is jointly operated by BP.

The Algerian government took the controversial decision to storm the site in the Sahara desert with Mr Cameron and other world leaders protesting about not being notified in advance

Mr Cameron's talks with Mr Sellal are likely to touch on the military campaign against al Qaeda terrorists in neighbouring Mali.