Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Verma (Conservative) on Monday, 21 March 2011.

Libya

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are able to take to assist Eritrean and other asylum seekers evacuated to Malta from Libya; and what discussions they are having with their European Union counterparts about the plight of Asian and African nationals trapped in Libya.

Answer: We are not aware of any asylum seekers having been evacuated from Libya to Malta since the 17 February outbreak of the crisis, but we stand ready to take practical measures to help Malta discharge its responsibilities towards asylum seekers who are on its territory. European Union leaders discussed the situation at the Extraordinary European Council in Brussels on Friday 11 March. An immediate priority has been to respond effectively to the humanitarian challenges at Libya's borders to help displaced persons, including Asian and African nationals, return home. The council confirmed that ensuring the safe evacuation of those wishing to flee the fighting remains a priority. The EU and member states have mobilised humanitarian aid and are committed to further assist people in Libya and people crossing its borders, in close co-operation with international and non- governmental organisations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration. The European Council has asked Justice and Home Affairs Ministers to meet and draw up an action plan on migration, ahead of a further discussion at the June European Council.

Secondary information