Skip to main content

MPs condemn Cameron for ‘opportunistic’ Libya assault

by Sofia Lotto Persio

A SCATHING report by MPs published today slams David Cameron’s “opportunist” and “inadequate” plan to launch a bombing campaign in Libya.

The former prime minister turned the Nato-backed intervention of 2011, which was supposedly to protect civilians, into an “opportunist policy of regime change” based on inadequate intelligence and failed to develop a “coherent Libya strategy,” the foreign affairs committee said.

Its inquiry found the government based its decision on “erroneous assumptions,” failing to properly analysis of the nature of the revolt against former dictator Colonel Muammar Gadaffi or how extremists would try to benefit from it.

“The UK’s actions in Libya were part of an ill-conceived intervention, the results of which are still playing out today,” said committee chairman Crispin Blunt.

Libya is currently plagued by a civil war among two governments both claiming responsibility over the country and its natural resources, a situation which is allowing armed fanatics such as Islamic State (Isis) to gain ground.

Stop the War Coalition convener Lindsey German said: “The foreign affairs committee has underlined what those of us in the anti-war movement argued five years ago: this was a war for regime change not to protect civilians.”

The committee’s findings reflect experts’ opinions on the legality of the intervention.

Research by the University of Oslo found that while operations to protect civilians were authoritised by a UN resolution, those aiming to overthrow Gadaffi and support rebels constituted “an illegal use of force” which “may have undermined the credibility of the responsibility to protect in future humanitarian crises.”

[email protected]

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today