Britain 'could talk to al-Qaeda'

The UK should not rule out talking to al-Qaeda in a strategy to end its campaign of violence, according to one of the country's most senior policemen.

Police Service of Northern Ireland chief Sir Hugh Orde told the Guardian talking to al-Qaeda was not unthinkable but "a question of timing".

He said 30 years tackling the IRA had taught him that policing alone was not enough to defeat terrorism.

The government has already rejected suggestions it negotiate with al-Qaeda.