After Gaddafi

This bizarre episode illustrated, again, the confusion, fluidity, complexity and unpredictably of Libya’s journey from tyranny to a democratic future as Gaddafi’s fortified compound was breached amid chaotic scenes.

A reminder to Britain, Nato and others that absolutely nothing can – or should – be taken for granted, the violence being unleashed by those still loyal to Gaddafi shows that building a long-term peace will require patience and compromise.

It is, inevitably, going to see Britain on a collision course with the new administration that emerges in Tripoli. Our interests may not be the same as the new Libyan leadership, even though it is RAF pilots who have been instrumental in bringing about Gaddafi’s final demise.

For, while International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell hints at the killer of Wpc Yvonne Fletcher being brought to justice, and others lobby for the Lockerbie bomber to be returned to these shores, the fledgling National Transitional Council will have more pressing priorities.

Its first need, once the violence ends, will be to restore Libya’s wrecked infrastructure and provide assistance to the country’s war-ravaged hospitals that have been left overrun.

Britain is position to provide assistance in abundance. But, in return, the Government must ensure that some of this country’s wishes are met – particularly those relating to past acts of terrorism.