No-fly zone preparations underway

Prime Minister David Cameron has made a statement to the House of Commons following the UN Security Council resolution on Libya last night authorising “all necessary measures” to protect civilians from Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s troops and enforce a no-fly zone.

David Cameron said that the UK will “play its part” and commit military assets to impose a no-fly zone over Libya.

“Our forces will join an international operation to enforce the Resolution if Gaddafi fails to comply with its demand that he ends attacks on civilians," he said.

“The Defence Secretary and I have now instructed the Chief of the Defence Staff to work urgently with our allies to put in place the appropriate military measures to enforce the Resolution – including a No Fly Zone.

“And I can tell the House that Britain will deploy Tornadoes and Typhoons as well as air-to-air refuelling and surveillance aircraft.

“Preparations to deploy these aircraft have already started and in the coming hours they will move to airbases from where they can start to take the necessary action.”