£9m contribution to stabilise Libya and curb terrorism and people-trafficking

BRITAIN IS providing more than £9m to help stabilise Libya and tackle the threat of terrorism and people-trafficking, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has announced during a visit to the north African country.

Mr Johnson’s visit came as the head of Libya’s unity government issued a warning that Europe faces a growing risk from terrorists unless it does more to help his country stem the massive tide of illegal migrants.

The package of aid announced by Mr Johnson following talks with Prime Minister Fayyez AlSerraj came with an offer of increased UK engagement with Libyan law enforcement authorities, including the coastguard, which is already receiving Royal Navy training on dealing with migrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean into Europe. Britain will also provide £4m to support the removal of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in the city of Sirte, a former Isis stronghold.

On his second visit in less than six months to the country, which has been riven by unrest and division since the 2011 ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, Mr Johnson discussed what more the UK could do to support Mr Al-Serraj’s Government of National Accord and the UN-led peace and stabilisation process.

Speaking from capital Tripoli, the Foreign Secretary said: “Libya is the front line for many challenges which left unchecked can pose problems for us in the UK.”