Libya: IRA

(asked on 9th September 2015) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will meet UK victims of IRA/Libyan-sponsored violence; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
Tobias Ellwood Portrait
Tobias Ellwood
This question was answered on 16th September 2015

The Government is not able to negotiate with the Libyan Government on individual compensation claims as these are not government claims. Individual compensation claims against Libya are best pursued directly with the Libyan Government. The Government has raised legacy issues arising from the actions of the Qadhafi regime repeatedly and at the highest levels with the Libyan authorities. Following a breakdown of the political and security situation in Libya, we withdrew our staff from our Embassy in Tripoli in August 2014. There is currently no central authority to deal with on this issue. We will engage a Government of National Accord (GNA), once established, on the issue of compensation. The British Government’s objective is broad and lasting reconciliation between Libya and UK communities affected by the Qadhafi regime’s sponsorship of terrorism. The Government has provided facilitation support to victims, their families, legal representatives and campaign groups, where it has been requested and appropriate. We will again encourage the Libyans to engage with UK victims seeking redress, including those seeking compensation and their legal representatives, once stability returns.

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