Written question asked by Baroness Hoey (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 22 April 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. It was answered by Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour) on Thursday, 8 May 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

IRA: Libya

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have had discussions with (1) victims of IRA terrorism, and (2) their legal representatives, about compensation to them being provided from frozen Libyan assets held in the UK.

Answer: The UK Government has profound sympathy for UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism and indeed for all victims of the Troubles. It also takes issues relating to victims of terrorism very seriously. The UK's stance regarding victims of Qadhafi-sponsored Irish Republican Army (IRA) terrorism is that it is the Libyan State's responsibility to provide compensation. We will continue to urge Libyan authorities to address the Libyan State's historic responsibility for the Qadhafi regime's support of the IRA. The Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan has recently written to some of the victims and their families, and intends to meet to hear their perspectives on the Government's policy on the issue of compensation being provided from frozen Libyan assets in the UK. The Government is committed to a constructive and collaborative engagement with those affected.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL6706
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Compensation IRA Legal representation Libya Victims Terrorism Freezing of assets
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk