Libya

 One of the most difficult decisions I have had to make since becoming an MP was in February when I voted for military action in Libya. We knew that Colonel Gadaffi was using his armed forces to kill thousands of his own people and we just couldn’t sit back and watch. It was a poignant time for Parliament to send British forces to Libya. We knew that there was a chance of getting drawn in to a civil war and for British lives to be lost as a result. It seems though that the decision to take action was the right one.

From the start of the violence the Prime Minister David Cameron has condemned the actions of Libyan Leader Colonel Gaddafi and the crimes of violence he has committed against the Libyan people. 

The British Government has continued to take a leading role in international efforts to protect civilians in Libya throughout the conflict including pressing for the UN Resolution authorising ‘all necessary measures’ to protect civilians The actions of our armed forces have saved many Libyans from torture and death.

On Sunday the capital of Libya, Tripoli, was taken by rebel fighters and at the Gaddafi regime appears to be over.  There is still a long way to go before Libya settles down and embraces democracy but significant steps have now been taken to achieve this. I believe that the  strong action of the British Government has significantly contributed to these developments and that the Prime Minister has played a significant role in leading international Governments in their approach to intervention in Libya.

The removal of Gadaffi will not bring back WPC Fletcher or those who lost their lives in Lockerbie, it will though ensure that Libya and its people can reach its full potential in a free and fairer environment. The challenge now is for us to help Libya reach that goal.