Libya (London Conference)

John Bercow Excerpts
Wednesday 30th March 2011

(13 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
- Hansard - -

We are extremely grateful to the hon. Gentleman, but we have a lot of business today. I call the Foreign Secretary.

Lord Hague of Richmond Portrait Mr Hague
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

To give a brief answer to conclude, the best way to put it to my hon. Friend is as follows. We retain the moral and international standing, particularly because of the extreme care that we take to minimise—to avoid—civilian casualties. That must continue throughout the operation. The purpose of the operation is to protect civilians. It cannot be part of its purpose to inflict damage or death on civilians, so whatever the situation, however it develops over the coming days or weeks, we will continue to take that extreme care.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
- Hansard - -

I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary and colleagues for their succinctness.