BP to decide on new plan to stem oil leak

The oil company BP is to decide on whether to carry out a new plan to try to stem the leaking Gulf of Mexico oil well.



The company’s chief executive Tony Hayward says the procedure will begin today if it’s considered safe.



Teams have been carrying out diagnostic tests to ensure that the \"top kill\" method in which mud is pumped into the well is feasible and will not backfire.



Meanwhile, a congressional memo has revealed that there were several warning signs shortly before the rig exploded.



According to the document, BP officials told congressional investigators on Tuesday that a decision to continue drilling after unusual pressure readings may have been a fundamental mistake.