Menu
24/02/2011
PM Apologises Over UK Response To Libya Chaos
David Cameron has said he is "extremely sorry" over the government's rescue efforts of UK nationals stranded in Libya.
The Prime Minister's statement follows criticism by the Labour Party of being "slow off the mark" in response to the unrest.
As stranded British oil workers appeal for help, Mr Cameron said: "Of course I am extremely sorry. The conditions at the airport have been extremely poor.
"There are going to be lessons to be learned from this and we will make absolutely sure that we learn them for the future but, right now, the priority has got to be getting those British nationals home.”
The Prime minister also reported "technical faults" with the chartered flights.
He said: "We will have a review to check whether it was technical faults or whether there is something systemically wrong.
"This is not an easy situation to deal with. It is immensely frustrating for the people on the ground and we will do everything we can to get those people home."
A plane chartered by oil companies for employees, carrying 78 passengers, has now arrived at Gatwick and a government-chartered flight has also left Libya.
A government-chartered flight, which left Tripoli, is currently en route to the UK stopping off in Malta.
A RAF Hercules C130 aircraft, carrying dozens of passengers, is also UK bound. A second military plane in Malta is on standby.
The Foreign Office have reported "a number of additional planes" available to be sent to Libya today.
Most of the 3,500 Britons living in Libya before the crisis are believed to have left however some are having difficulty getting out.
Over the past few days British Airways and British Midland International have cancelled flights in and out of the Libyan capital.
The Foreign Office have sent teams to Tripoli airport to register Britons for the flights, and hand out food and water.
In his most recent statement, Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi said enemies of Libya would be executed. He vowed to fight to his "last drop of blood" rather than leave the country.
(BMcN/GK)
The Prime Minister's statement follows criticism by the Labour Party of being "slow off the mark" in response to the unrest.
As stranded British oil workers appeal for help, Mr Cameron said: "Of course I am extremely sorry. The conditions at the airport have been extremely poor.
"There are going to be lessons to be learned from this and we will make absolutely sure that we learn them for the future but, right now, the priority has got to be getting those British nationals home.”
The Prime minister also reported "technical faults" with the chartered flights.
He said: "We will have a review to check whether it was technical faults or whether there is something systemically wrong.
"This is not an easy situation to deal with. It is immensely frustrating for the people on the ground and we will do everything we can to get those people home."
A plane chartered by oil companies for employees, carrying 78 passengers, has now arrived at Gatwick and a government-chartered flight has also left Libya.
A government-chartered flight, which left Tripoli, is currently en route to the UK stopping off in Malta.
A RAF Hercules C130 aircraft, carrying dozens of passengers, is also UK bound. A second military plane in Malta is on standby.
The Foreign Office have reported "a number of additional planes" available to be sent to Libya today.
Most of the 3,500 Britons living in Libya before the crisis are believed to have left however some are having difficulty getting out.
Over the past few days British Airways and British Midland International have cancelled flights in and out of the Libyan capital.
The Foreign Office have sent teams to Tripoli airport to register Britons for the flights, and hand out food and water.
In his most recent statement, Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi said enemies of Libya would be executed. He vowed to fight to his "last drop of blood" rather than leave the country.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 April 2004
Minister visits Libya to foster trade links
Following on from Tony Blair's visit to Libya last month, it has been announced that Trade Minister Mike O'Brien will visit Libya tomorrow on a two-day visit. Mr O'Brien, who visited the north African nation in August 2001, was the first time a British Minister met the Libyan leader.
Minister visits Libya to foster trade links
Following on from Tony Blair's visit to Libya last month, it has been announced that Trade Minister Mike O'Brien will visit Libya tomorrow on a two-day visit. Mr O'Brien, who visited the north African nation in August 2001, was the first time a British Minister met the Libyan leader.
25 February 2011
Efforts Continue In Libya To Rescue Remaining Britons
As government efforts continue to try and rescue UK nationals from Libya, scores of Britons remain stranded. On Thursday around 500 left the country by plane and boat. However the Foreign Office estimate that a further 500 Britons remain, including oil workers and those based in the capital of Tripoli.
Efforts Continue In Libya To Rescue Remaining Britons
As government efforts continue to try and rescue UK nationals from Libya, scores of Britons remain stranded. On Thursday around 500 left the country by plane and boat. However the Foreign Office estimate that a further 500 Britons remain, including oil workers and those based in the capital of Tripoli.
04 March 2011
UK Flights Rescue Over 3,000 In Libya
British rescue efforts are continuing to help those stranded in Libya. A UK airlift operation to Cairo has now transported over 3,000 Egyptians trying to escape the violence in Libya. As UK charities warn of a "potential humanitarian crisis", three UK-chartered planes have already made 12 flights from Djerba airport in Tunisia to Cairo.
UK Flights Rescue Over 3,000 In Libya
British rescue efforts are continuing to help those stranded in Libya. A UK airlift operation to Cairo has now transported over 3,000 Egyptians trying to escape the violence in Libya. As UK charities warn of a "potential humanitarian crisis", three UK-chartered planes have already made 12 flights from Djerba airport in Tunisia to Cairo.
23 February 2011
PM To Help Stranded Britons In Libya
The Prime Minister has said Britain is working "flat out" to rescue more Britons from Libya. Describing the unrest as "very dangerous", David Cameron said the UK's "first priority" was to help nationals stranded. Most of the 3,500 Britons living in Libya before the crisis are believed to have left however some are having difficulty getting out.
PM To Help Stranded Britons In Libya
The Prime Minister has said Britain is working "flat out" to rescue more Britons from Libya. Describing the unrest as "very dangerous", David Cameron said the UK's "first priority" was to help nationals stranded. Most of the 3,500 Britons living in Libya before the crisis are believed to have left however some are having difficulty getting out.
16 August 2006
US flight diverted in security scare
A flight from London to Washington DC has been forced to land in Boston following a disturbance onboard. The plane, United Flight 923, left Heathrow airport carrying 182 passengers. Three passengers were reportedly involved in a confrontation with the crew onboard the flight. A female passenger was reported to have become "hysterical".
US flight diverted in security scare
A flight from London to Washington DC has been forced to land in Boston following a disturbance onboard. The plane, United Flight 923, left Heathrow airport carrying 182 passengers. Three passengers were reportedly involved in a confrontation with the crew onboard the flight. A female passenger was reported to have become "hysterical".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
