Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

UK Support for Stability in Libya

18 October 2023 · 4 other contributors · 8,084 words

Opened by Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East

Responding minister: David Rutley

UkraineForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Fabian Hamilton raised concerns about uk support for stability in libya in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Libya faces severe instability due to political fragmentation and the presence of Russian mercenaries, impacting security in NATO and the wider region.
  • Fabian Hamilton calls for an urgent high-level meeting to address humanitarian and security issues, including people-smuggling, migration, and terrorist activities.
  • The UK Government is supporting security institutions in Libya and has provided aid such as a 10 million package for flood response and 2 million to the UN flash appeal.

Key requests to Government

Hamilton urges the UK Government to convene an urgent high-level meeting of all state parties involved in Libya to assess the situation regularly and help Libya heal itself. He asks for immediate withdrawal of military personnel from foreign powers, cessation of arms supply, enforcement of the UN's arms embargo, and collaboration to ensure a just distribution of wealth and economic reform.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East

Libya is facing significant instability following the devastating floods that killed thousands and displaced many more. The country's political fragmentation, presence of Russian mercenaries, and lack of effective governance have severe implications for security in NATO and the wider region. Fabian Hamilton highlights the humanitarian crisis caused by people-smuggling and migration, as well as the role Libya plays in terrorist activities within Europe. He also points to economic challenges such as limited healthcare services and electricity access, exacerbated by political instability.

Other contributors (4)
  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Mr Brendan O'Hara expressed concern about the political chaos in Libya with two Governments, two Assemblies, and warlords fighting for control. He highlighted that 4,000 people are officially reported dead due to the Derna flood, but the UN estimates over 11,000 deaths, with thousands missing or displaced. O'Hara stressed the systematic neglect of infrastructure and climate change as causes of this disaster.

  • Daniel Kawczynski Con Shrewsbury and Atcham

    Danish Kawczynski discussed his childhood experiences in communist Poland and his involvement with Libya, including his concerns about the UK's approach to Colonel Gaddafi. He criticised the 2011 intervention in Libya, arguing it lacked proper planning and led to chaos. Kawczynski also highlighted issues like the murder of PC Yvonne Fletcher and the unresolved Lockerbie bombing. Mr. Daniel Kawczynski intervened by raising concerns about serious human rights abuses alleged against Haftar and his sons in Libya, including claims of collaboration with the Wagner Group. He requested assurances from the British Government that sanctions would be imposed on the Haftar regime if proven to be committing these abuses. Emphasised Libya's potential in various sectors such as healthcare and education if political stability is achieved. Mentioned historical context including the Lockerbie bombing and WPC Fletcher's death.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    He congratulated the hon. Member on securing the debate and suggested that there could be progress not only in Libya but also in the wider region, including the release of £12 billion of frozen assets from the Libyan regime under Gaddafi to benefit victims here as well as people in Libya and the wider Middle East. Other books are available!

  • Wayne David Lab Caerphilly

    Mr. Wayne David expressed concern over the instability in Libya since Colonel Gaddafi's overthrow, citing ongoing conflicts and foreign involvement like the Wagner Group. He highlighted issues such as armed clashes between militia groups, political assassinations, criminal activities, and a growing migration crisis due to Sahel region instability. Mr. David also mentioned the tragic aftermath of Storm Daniel, estimating up to 20,000 lives lost due to dam breaks in Derna valley, stressing the need for international assistance and governmental infrastructure to manage aid effectively. Acknowledged the importance of stability in Libya and expressed support for inclusive dialogue. Highlighted concerns about Russia's influence and the need for international cooperation to address challenges like irregular migration, climate change, and reconstruction efforts.

Government Response

David Rutley

Welcomed the debate on UK support for Libya, acknowledged contributions made by MPs, and emphasized the importance of an inclusive political dialogue in Libya. Discussed ongoing efforts to counteract malign influence from other countries such as Russia's Wagner Group, highlighted UK support for security institutions, and mentioned initiatives like the £10 million aid package for flood response, £2 million commitment to UN flash appeal, £6 million towards the Libya conflict stability fund programme, and support for reconstruction efforts. Emphasized the importance of a Libyan-led political process facilitated by the UN and committed to working closely with international partners to help achieve peace and stability in Libya.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy