Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 November 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 November 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Libya: IRA

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make it is his Department's policy to seek compensation from the Government of Libya for victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism.

Answer: The UK Government reiterates its sympathy for UK victims of Qaddafi-sponsored terrorism, and indeed all victims of the Troubles. It is important that the UK Government pursues fairness and consistency in the provision of support to victims of terrorism and access to publicly funded compensation schemes. The UK's position with regards to victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism is that it is the responsibility of the Libyan Government to provide compensation. The UK Government cannot lawfully use frozen Libyan assets to provide compensation to victims as doing so would break international law and our obligations as members of the UN. We will continue to press the Libyan authorities to address the Libyan State's historic responsibility for the Qaddafi regime' support for the IRA.

Secondary information