23/02/2011

PM To Help Stranded Britons In Libya

The Prime Minister has said Britain is working "flat out" to rescue more Britons from Libya.

Describing the unrest as "very dangerous", David Cameron said the UK's "first priority" was to help nationals stranded.

Most of the 3,500 Britons living in Libya before the crisis are believed to have left however some are having difficulty getting out.

The first of two special charter planes are en route to Tripoli with 122 British citizens signed up for the first flight. The second flight will leave as soon as possible.

For the past two days British Airways and British Midland International have cancelled flights in and out of the Libyan capital.

The Foreign Office have sent a team to Tripoli airport to register Britons for the flights, as well as handing out food and water.

As stranded British oil workers appealed for help, the Labour Party accused the government of being "slow off the mark".

In his most recent statement, Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi said enemies of Libya would be executed. He vowed to fight to his "last drop of blood" rather than leave the country.

(BMcN/GK)

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