US govt may take over oil spill claims

The US government is ready to take over the handling of oil spill damage claims from BP if the British company doesn’t set up an “independent entity” to do it, a presidential spokesman said today.

Speaking from Washington, Robert Gibbs said the oil giant’s claims processing work has been unsatisfactory. He noted that Barack Obama “has the legal authority” to make the claims process independent. Mr Gibbs said “the best way to prevail upon BP is to take the claims process away from BP”.

He added: “The president will either legally compel them or come to an agreement with BP to get out of the claims process, give that to an independent entity.”

It comes as President Obama prepares to address the nation later today with an “I’m in charge” message as the blown-out BP well deep in the Gulf of Mexico gushes crude oil for a 57th day, creating an unprecedented environmental and economic disaster.

Mr Obama spent the night in Pensacola, where he will inspect the damage to famous white sand beaches and meet local officials before heading back to the White House to deliver the first televised Oval Office message of his presidency.