I think theres a policy that we don't pay ransom demands.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8335810.stm
QUOTE:
A spokesman for the Foreign Office added: "We are aware of reports that a ransom demand of $7m has been made. [Her Majesty's Government] HMG's policy remains clear: We will not make substantive concessions to hostage takers, including the payment of ransoms."