NEW : British government rejects an $ 11 billion loan offer . George Osborne , British finance minister , says it is in Britain 's interest . so I judged it to be in our national interest to be part of the international efforts to help the Irish , '' Osborne told the BBC . However , EU ministers ` ` welcome '' Ireland 's request for financial assistance . Britain may also offer separate loan to Ireland .
NEW : British government rejects an $ 11 billion loan offer . George Osborne , British finance minister , says it is in Britain 's interest . However , EU ministers ` ` welcome '' Ireland 's request for financial assistance . Britain may also offer separate loan to Ireland .