HMS Enterprise Evacuates Britons in Libya

HMS Enterprise has evactuated Britons from Libya as violence worsens in the country.  The Foreign Office has urged British people to immediately leave the country. The embassy will also be temporarily closed. 

A launch protected by armed Royal Marines was expected to be sent into the port to pick up British citizens and carry them to safety on board the Plymouth-based Enterprise, which is thought to have been diverted from duties in the Mediterranean to help the rescue effort.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) declined to comment on the reports.

An MoD spokesman said: "As the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) has made clear, the UK Government will provide assisted departure for a number of UK nationals before suspending consular operations on Monday.For operational reasons we will not discuss further details including whether, and in what ways, the MoD could support these efforts."

Between 100 and 300 Britons are believed to be in Libya, where fighting between rival militias has forced the UK to shut down its embassy. Many of the consular staff were evacuated last Monday but the ambassador and core staff remained, although they will now also return to the UK.