UK recognises Libyan opposition

Britain is formally recognising the opposition National Transitional Council as the “sole governmental authority” in Libya, British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced today.

Mr Hague said he is expelling from the UK all remaining Libyan diplomats working for the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

He said the Libyan embassy in London’s Knightsbridge is to be handed over to the NTC, which has been invited to appoint a diplomatic envoy.

Mr Hague said the move would allow Britain to give “greater practical assistance” to the opposition movement which is fighting to oust Gaddafi after 42 years in power.

Britain is unfreezing assets worth £91m belonging to an oil company now controlled by the NTC, to help it provide for the material needs of civilians in liberated areas of the country.

Speaking at the Foreign Office in Whitehall, Mr Hague said that, from now on, Britain will deal with the NTC "on the same basis as other governments around the world".

He added: “The UK is committed to supporting the Libyan people. We are a strong and true friend...The Libyan people can be assured that we will remain on their side for as long as it takes.”