Libya: We’ll fight IRA payout claims
GORDON Brown’s offer of support to families of IRA victims in their bid to win compensation from Libya was plunged into confusion last night.
Hopes of a rapid settlement were dashed when the son of Col Gaddafi told the relatives to pursue their claims through the courts. Saif Gaddafi said “of course” Libya would reject any claim for compensation from the families of those blown up by Libyan explosives supplied to IRA terrorists.
“They have their lawyers, we have our lawyers,” said Mr Gaddafi, an influential figure in his father’s regime. And Mr Brown’s intervention was further undermined when it emerged yesterday that the Government would not negotiate on the families’ behalf.
Instead, the Foreign Office would merely “facilitate” talks between the relatives and Libyan government officials over compensation. Involvement would only extend to organising visas and setting up meetings.
The shift was being seen as a major U-turn by the Prime Minister last night after he had attempted to regain the initiative in the damaging row over Labour’s dealings with the Libyan dictator. Cabinet Minister Ed Balls said there would be no negotiations between governments.
He added: “To attempt to do so now would not succeed. It’s about working together to make sure British people are safe from international terrorism.”