Oral Answers to Questions

Karen Lumley Excerpts

Monday 4th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

A great deal of planning, looking at a range of scenarios, is being undertaken by the National Security Council and across Whitehall Departments, and a range of important discussions are being held with our allies, not least at the large gathering of military leaders in London last week. We could well see the collapse of the Libyan regime over a short period, but it could take some considerable time yet. I am afraid that I think it is unlikely that the opposition forces will enter Tripoli in the near future.

[Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con)]

3. What recent assessment he has made of the security situation in the middle east and north Africa; and if he will make a statement.

[Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con)]

8. What recent assessment he has made of the security situation in the middle east and north Africa; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey)]

As the Foreign Secretary has said, demands for greater political, social and economic participation will continue in the middle east and north Africa. We assess that the security situation will remain fragile unless Governments in the region work to fulfil the aspirations of their people.

[Karen Lumley]

Will my hon. Friend assure the House that the UK has sufficient resources in place to honour its commitment under UN Security Council resolution 1973 and continue operations in Libya for as long as is necessary?

[Nick Harvey]

I am pleased to give precisely that confirmation. As the Chief of the Defence Staff has said, we can sustain the operation for as long as necessary. We have flexible and adaptable forces. That is not to say that sustaining operations will not put stress on people and assets, but we are perfectly capable of doing so, and nobody should be in any doubt about our determination.