The Situation in Libya

I stand 100 per cent behind the Libyan people and their right to express their views free from the threat of assassination, beatings, rape and intimidation. At a time of cautious optimism in other parts of the Middle East, Qadhafi's brutality has made him once more a pariah.

The Conservative Party will continue to push for a tough approach. Action is best done on an international basis and we are doing a lot of preparatory work in order to be able to take further measures very soon. In Brussels today we discussed with EU partners what further measures should be taken. These include sanctions such as travel bans and arms embargos.

We are considering the full range of measures at our disposal, bilaterally and with international partners - with our friends in the Arab League, at the EU, with the US and other partners and at the UN.

We are working with the international community to send the united message that there will be 'a day of reckoning for any atrocities and abuses that are committed' so that the unacceptable violence ends. The Libyan authorities should know that the world is not just watching and passing statements, but that we want to make sure that serious abuses of human rights are properly investigated in the future and that those guilty will be held accountable for their actions.
Libyan Evacuation

I am gravely concerned about the situation in Libya, which is a danger to the people of Libya and could have serious implications for the wider region. The situation in Libya is worsening and it remains highly unpredictable.

The security and wellbeing of British Nationals is our absolute priority. We are doing all we can to get them out of Libya, drawing on both military and commercial assets, as well as working with international partners. Of those who had requested evacuation from Tripoli or Benghazi by 24 February, we have now helped evacuate a vast majority of them (approximately 500).

I am deeply concerned about the safety of British Nationals in the desert. Yet I know that we are working intensively on a range of options to secure their safe passage from Libya, working with other countries whose nationals are in the same position.

This morning the Prime Minister will be chairing a meeting of the National Security Council and COBRA.
The PM and the Foreign Secretary have made clear that they are sorry for the distress caused to British Nationals. The Foreign Secretary has ordered a review of procedures for evacuating British Nationals. Rightly, our immediate focus is on making sure BNs can leave Libya. I sincerely hope that all our citizens return safely and that the Libyan people achieve the freedom they so greatly desire.