Rescue attempt ‘right call’ says MP

LOCAL MP Michael Meacher believes David Cameron’s go-ahead for the attempted rescue operation was the “right” call.

Oldham West and Royton’s parliamentary representative, revealed to the Chronicle he knew about Chris McManus’ capture ten months ago - but was told by the Foreign Office to keep quiet to the media.

This would have proved “unhelpful” going public and put the 28-year-old Oldhamer’s life in jeopardy at the time, according to the MP.

He said: “This is utterly tragic for the family who must be completely devastated. I have tried ringing them, but they didn’t answer, which I can understand, for this is an unimaginable blow for any family.”

Mr Meacher held talks with Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt on two occasions.

He calls the suspected terrorist group, behind the killings, Boko Haram - as “lawless, brutal, cruel and vicious” and are hardcore Islamists - linked to al-Qaeda.

The Prime Minister will receive a letter from Mr Meacher, who is asking for further information about the operation, which went tragically wrong.

He said: “May I add this is a terrible decision for any Prime Minister to make - which puts lives at risk and I think he took the right decision, depending what the information was and if there was no alternative.

“It is incredibly tragic what has happened to Mr McManus, who was just doing his job, building a bank - along with his Italian colleague, Franco Lamolinara.

“I pass on my sincere condolences to both of their families and I will write a letter to Mr McManus’ family with my number on and if they want to contact me, I will do everything I can to support them.”