COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Labour has accused the government of "serial bungling" over the situation in Libya, following a botched SAS mission to the troubled country.


Douglas Alexander, shadow foreign secretary

Six soldiers and two Foreign Office officials were detained for two days in eastern Libya but were released on Sunday and have left the country.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said the men were withdrawn after a "serious misunderstanding" over their role.

Labour's Douglas Alexander said ministers were losing their grip.

Mr Alexander, shadow foreign secretary, said: "I believe I speak for many when I say that the news on Sunday that British diplomatic and military personnel were being held was seen as just the latest setback for the UK and raises further serious questions about ministers' grip and response to the unfolding events in Libya."