This is a short article on Somalian piracy with a particular focus on the recent suggestion that the payment of ransom to Somalian pirates should be curtailed or proscribed. What alternatives are there? And what would be the consequences if this became a matter of policy or a matter of law? As matters stand the payment of ransom for the release of people and property is legal in Engalnd and Wales and is not contrary to public policy. Is this about to change? This article suggests that it should not.