MPs hold IRA-Libya weapons compensation inquiry

Libya supplied the plastic explosive Semtex to the IRA

An Westminster inquiry has been launched into compensation for victims of IRA attacks that used weapons supplied by Libya.

Semtex from Libya became the IRA's most devastating and infamous weapon during the Troubles.

The NI Affairs Committee will look at how effective government efforts have been in seeking redress for victims.

It will also examine potential options for compensation, such as using the frozen assets of the Gaddafi family.

Armed campaign

Links between the IRA and Libya can be traced back to 1972 when the country's leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi first praised the group as allies in a struggle against Western imperialism.

Gaddafi later helped provide the IRA with the weaponry they needed to wage an armed campaign that lasted more than 30 years and claimed more than 1,000 lives.

He was toppled from power in August 2011 after 42 years in charge of the country. Two months later he was killed after an assault on his birthplace of Sirte.

The Eksund ship was stopped in 1987 on its way to Northern Ireland, carrying around 1,000 AK-47 machine guns, a million rounds of ammunition, more than 50 ground-to-air missiles and two tonnes of Semtex

Committee chairman Laurence Robertson said: "The issue of Libyan involvement in terrorism in the United Kingdom was looked into prior to the 2010 general election and remains an issue today.

"Exploring the possibilities with regard to discovering what happened and possible measures being made towards reconciliation will help to assure victims and their relatives that the crimes are not forgotten.

"Our inquiry will look to contribute towards that process."

The committee has invited written evidence from interested parties, with public hearings due in September.