Hammond: No British combat troops to Libya but military trainers could go

The Foreign Secretary has just updated the Commons on his trip to Libya to meet the Government of National Accord (GNA).

Amongst what emerged are seven interesting points:

• Libya does not want, and Britain is not planning, a combat mission

• A combat mission or airstrikes in Libya would "trigger the convention" of a vote in the House of Commons

• The UK does however stand ready to offer a training and technical mission

• This could be delivered elsewhere in the region if Libya is considered too risky

• A training mission would not require Parliamentary approval

• The Libyans have not yet asked for a training mission

• But "they may well ask for some support" at a later date

So we're not sending combat troops but we are ready to send training personnel if and when they ask.