Written question asked by Graeme Morrice (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 July 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 July 2011. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 11 August 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of operations in Libya on the UK's standing defence commitments.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence has assessed that current operations in Libya are not impacting on the UK's standing defence commitments.The strategic defence and security review (SDSR) set out the need to retain high-readiness forces, including air and naval operations, which provide for the possibility of a military response to a wide range of potential crises, alongside continuing to fulfil our standing commitments. Events in Libya have confirmed the validity of the SDSR decision to adopt an adaptable posture with flexible forces.The outstanding work of our armed forces in Operation Ellamy demonstrates that the UK remains able to project power and influence.

Secondary information