North-east MP Stuart Donaldson has called for “honesty and transparency” from the UK Government over its intentions in Libya.
The SNP youngster insisted the prime minister must seek parliamentary approval before sending any troops to the north African nation.
He also branded the UK foreign policy legacy in Libya an “unmitigated disaster”, adding: “The lesson for this government is that you reap what you sow.”
Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood confirmed the UK would “likely” take part in the Libyan International Assistance Mission, an Italian initiative.
He said there was “planning” for around 1,000 troops, but insisted the request for support had not yet come.
He added: “The support is likely to come – when it does – in the form of training and mentoring.
“Where that will take place … is yet to be decided. It is unlikely to take place in Britain but it could very well take place in Libya or indeed in the region.”
The Tory minister said as it was not an operational issue, no parliamentary vote would be required.
“Don’t expect a vote on this issue,” he told MPs.
The exchange came in a debate in Westminster Hall, the Commons second chamber, led by Mr Donaldson, who represents West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine.
He said the disastrous state Libya had been left in after the 2011 military intervention had created the conditions that so-called Islamic State needs to operate.
And he highlighted Libya as the main transit point for refugees trying to get to Europe.
On the issue of troops, he said: “We urgently need honesty and transparency on the Government’s intentions in Libya.”
He also pointed to reports UK special forces are already operating in the country.
Mr Ellwood accused him of “glossing over” key elements in his interpretation of the situation and the reasons why Libya had “slipped back”.
Defending the intervention, he said there had been “legitimate cause”, adding: “It was right our prime minister and other leaders around the world stepped up to the plate and did the proper thing.”
He agreed lessons needed to be learned, but pointed to the elections that had taken place in the immediate aftermath.
He called Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond’s visit to Tripoli last month – when he announced £10million funding to support the Libyan Government of National Accord – a “cautiously optimistic new chapter”.
