Government must act to use frozen Gaddafi billions for IRA victims, says UUP MP

Mr. Elliott was commenting after he presented to the Backbench Business Committee at Westminster in an attempt to secure a debate to raise awareness of the issue.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP said: “During the Troubles, the IRA were supported by the Gaddafi Regime, who provided finances, ammunition and explosives which were used to cause mayhem and murder in the United Kingdom.

“It is indisputable that the Government of Libya promoted terrorist acts in the UK, yet they have never been held to account and the families of victims have not been provided with compensation.

“There are £9.5 billion worth of Libyan frozen assets in the UK, and the Government should seek to use these assets to compensate victims of Libyan sponsored terrorism.

“Along with other members of the support group for victims of Libyan sponsored IRA terrorism, which includes MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum, I have met Foreign Office and Treasury ministers and officials who appear to be reluctant to go down this route.

“Indeed, in the House of Commons the Government have repeatedly sought to halt the progress of Lord Empey’s Bill which seeks to use frozen assets to compensate the victims.

“Today, with the support of other MPs, I presented in front of the Backbench Business Committee in an attempt to secure a debate, which would go some way to raise awareness and put pressure on the Government to take action. We have been asked to come back with a more detailed proposal, which we will do in due course.

“We will continue to do everything we can to secure compensation for the victims of Gadaffi sponsored IRA terrorism, who have been badly let down up to now.

“American, French and German victims have received compensation from the Libyan Government.

“It is a matter of fairness that UK victims should be given the same recognition.”