David Cameron apologises for Britons stranded in Libya
February 25th, 2011 | by Jessica Teakle |Prime Minister David Cameron offered his apologies saying ‘I am extremely sorry’ for Britons stranded in Libya due to delays in rescue operations. The 150 BP workers arrived at the Gatwick Airport in London on Thursday morning at 7am in a chartered flight specially arranged by the oil company.
As the government reacts slowly to the crisis drawing heavy criticism, over 550 Britons still await their turn for rescue. An RAF Hercules transport aircraft finally picked up 51 stranded passengers from Tripoli after a 10-hour delay and the HMS Cumberland has docked in Benghazi waiting to evacuate more British nationals. There are fears of reprisals against foreigners, including a hostage situation, if any action is seen as a threat by Gaddafi.
The terrified families of these expat oil and construction workers have described the turmoil they left behind as the Arab country descended into “hell”. Hundreds of Britons have already managed to leave the violence ridden North African country on commercial flights as loyalists of the dictator attacked Chinese and Egyptian construction company employees.
The volatile situation in Libya has been a part of the domino effect of the Egyptian revolution fuelling fears of unrest spreading across the Middle East. Oil prices have been affected as well having hit their highest level in 30 months; crude is now priced at almost $120 a barrel, which is the highest in three years and according to bankers at stockbroker Nomura, it could well spiral to an incredible $220.
Combining higher crude prices with the upcoming fuel duty hike, could lead to motorists being faced with petrol hike of 10p per litre which then affects cost of other goods and services. There may come a time when you’ll be forced to ditch your car to walk or take the public transport system.
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Tags: Britons Stranded, David Cameron, Libya