Written question asked by Lord Touhig (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Verma (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 April 2011.

Libya

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide aid and support to Libya in the event that Muammar Gaddafi is removed from power; and whether they have plans regarding what support other countries in the region would receive if they too were to remove dictators from office.

Answer: The UN is co-ordinating humanitarian aid and leading the planning for building longer-term stability in Libya. Britain recognises that early preparation for the future is vital and will continue to play its part. The situation is still unfolding. We stand ready to work with the UN and others to make an assessment of longer term stabilisation support needs in Libya, as conditions allow. To date, the UK has provided over £10 million for humanitarian purposes, supporting a range of activities including flights for the repatriation of poor economic migrants fleeing Libya; tents and blankets for people in need, and ICRC medical teams and medical supplies to assist war wounded. Across the region, the UK's immediate priorities remain the welfare of British nationals, as well as the need to support dialogue and political reform. We continue to press governments bilaterally and through the EU and UN to respond to the legitimate aspirations of their people for greater political and economic freedom.

Secondary information