MPs praise Cameron's diplomacy

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The prime minister has been widely praised by MPs for his leadership over the crisis in Libya.

David Cameron came to the House this morning to make a statement after the UN security council passed a tough resolution authorising member states to take "all necessary measures" to stop Libyan armed forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi from attacking civilians.

The UK, France and Lebanon proposed UN resolution 1973, which also forbids any "foreign occupation". Ten nations voted yes, while China, Russia, Germany, Brazil and India abstained.

After his statement, Tory MPs lavished praise on Cameron.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, a former foreign secretary, praised his "superb leadership" at home and at the UN.

He added that we are facing "a human disaster" in Libya.

Mike Gapes (Lab, Ilford South) congratulated Cameron and the UN as well as the French government for their work and the support of the African Union for the resolution.

Richard Ottoway, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, paid tribute to the "remarkable diplomatic success at the UN" and admitted he was a "doubting Thomas" when it came to Cameron's early call for a no-fly zone.

Jeffrey Donaldson (DUP, Lagan Valley) said his party fully supports military action, but questioned if the UK has sufficient capacity and assets.

He asked Cameron to reconsider the strategic defence review.

The prime minister said at the end of this parliament the UK will still have the fourth largest defence budget in the world and the review is intended to make sure the armed forces can deploy as flexibly as possible.

He added that any action in Libya will not affect operations in Afghanistan.

James Arbuthnot (Con, NE Hampshire) said Cameron has shown "a breath-taking degree of courage and leadership". He asked if the aim of the action in Libya is regime change.

Cameron said the UN resolution aims to protect civilians, but it is also "impossible to envisage" a future for Libya that includes Gaddafi.

Jeremy Corbyn (Lab, Islington N) said the abuse of human rights is not unique to Libya.

He asked if Cameron is proposing a new foreign policy based on human rights and cited Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and Bahrain as examples of nations that abuse their citizens' rights.

Cameron said Libya is different as the UK is acting with others under international law.

He said it is not in the nation interest to allow the existence of a pariah state on Europe's southern borders.

Stephen Gilbert (LD, St Austell and Newquay) asked if UK intelligence are monitoring communications between regime leaders and commanders to collect evidence of war crimes.

Cameron said that the international criminal court is already investigating and the 'arm' of international law should have a long reach and a long memory.

Natascha Engel (Lab, NE Derbyshire) worried that military action might make things worse.

The prime minister said the UN resolution has the backing of Arab nations and the consequences of doing nothing have to be weighed against the consequences of action.

David Winnick (Lab, Walsall N) said there is "great anxiety" at being dragged into a third war in nine years.

Cameron said what is being considered is "legal proportionate and right".

Christopher Chope (Con, Christchurch) said the PM has shown "decisive leadership". He asked why Germany had abstained at the UN security council.

Cameron said "to be fair" to German chancellor Angela Merkel, she has been "consistently sceptical", but he does not they will be "obstructive" in Nato as the UN has approved action.

Tom Watson (Lab, West Bromwich East) asked how many nations are going to provide military assets for a no-fly zone.

Cameron said it would not be right to name countries who are considering their position, but he wants "the widest possible alliance".

Bob Stewart (Con, Beckenham) asked if the UN resolution allows the direct arming of rebels.

Cameron said it actually enforces the arms embargo on Libya but also allows military steps to "damage and harm those attacking civilians".

David Lammy (Lab, Tottenham) asked about post-conflict reconstruction.

Cameron said the international development secretary is working to ensure all the UK's resources are available.

Tom Brake (LD, Carshalton) said there is a significant risk of stalemate.

Cameron said the African Union may have a role to play if that is the outcome of military intervention.

The prime minister also said he said that China and Russia's decision not to veto the resolution is "a welcome step forward".

Mark Reckless (Con, Rochester and Strood) asked for the planned scrapping of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal to be reconsidered.

Cameron said that is not necessary to use aircraft carriers and other nations have not moved theirs into the area.

Rehman Chishti (Con, Gillingham and Rainham) asked if the UK is going to join France in recognising the rebels as the legitimate government of Libya.

Cameron said the UK recognises countries, not governments, and he wants to "build a relationship" with the rebels.

Greg Hands (Con, Chelsea and Fulham) said that unlike the Iraq war, this intervention has a proper legal basis.

Cameron said he wanted to make sure the cabinet read the attorney general's legal advice, and while there will be difficult days ahead, it was very important that the cabinet made the decision to take action.