The RAF flies over 150 civilians out of Libya

by Paul Goodman

Here's the statement from Liam Fox -

“I can confirm that two RAF C130 Hercules aircraft have evacuated more than 150 civilians from desert locations south of Benghazi . The first aircraft has landed in Malta and the second will arrive shortly. HMS Cumberland is on her way back to Benghazi to evacuate any remaining entitled persons from there. HMS York has arrived in Valetta to take onboard stores in order that she can assist with the evacuation effort as required. A number of other military assets remain available to support the FCO-led efforts to return civilians from Libya .”

The Government needs some good news from Libya about the Government's organisational capacities after last week's bad news - and knock-on questions about the absence of Nick Clegg (not to mention the future effects of the scaleback in defence spending).

David Cameron will be looking for acknowledgement that matters are improving now that he's back in charge.  And the Defence Secretary will be hoping for better headlines than William Hague.  More important than either is the safety of British citizens abroad - for those of us who don't share Rod Liddle's disobliging view.