U.K. PM Cameron to Talk BP Spill With Obama at G20

British Prime Minister David Cameron will discuss BP and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill with President Barack Obama during a meeting Saturday at the G20 summit in Canada.

Cameron told the U.K. parliament Wednesday that it was important BP remained a "strong and stable company" in the interests of the oil giant's U.S. and U.K. shareholders.

"We do want to make sure this remains a strong and stable company for our benefit and for the benefit of the U.S.," said Cameron.

He added that the energy firm, which is facing severe criticism over its handling of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, is owned 40 percent by U.S. shareholders and 39 percent by U.K. investors.

"It [BP] employs more people in the U.S. than it does in the U.K. so it's in all our interests that this company is strong and secure for the future," he said.

The prime minister was expected to press the case for BP to be given a better idea of the likely final costs from the spill, when he meets Obama in Toronto.

The scheduled meeting was announced as BP formally put Bob Dudley in charge of cleaning up the Gulf of Mexico, making him president and chief executive officer of BP's Gulf Coast Restoration Organization.

BP had already indicated Dudley would lead the Gulf of Mexico cleanup, reporting directly to much-criticized BP chief executive, Tony Hayward.

Hayward, who returned to London to resume oversight of BP’s global operations, praised Dudley’s credentials for the post Wednesday.

"Having grown up in Mississippi, Bob has a deep appreciation and affinity for the Gulf Coast, and believes deeply in BP’s commitment to restore the region.”