Fox insists protecting Libyans ‘vital task’

He acknowledged the “increased risk” attached to the deployment of attack helicopters but stressed that they would play a key role in bringing a halt to the dictator’s attacks on his own people.

RAF Apache helicopters will form part of the latest Nato deployment in a move that has alarmed some MPs about the prospect of an escalation in the conflict and the danger to British lives.

Speaking to BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show, Dr Fox denied that it amounted to escalation but said: “It’s quite right that if we use attack helicopters there is an increased risk – they fly at far lower heights than fast jets would, obviously at slower speeds than the fast jets would, and they are more susceptible.

“That’s why in taking that decision we have looked at all the variables, the risk to our service personnel which is always very key, but also the fact that we are making progress in Libya, it’s clear the regime is having trouble sustaining military activity and the more we can degrade that the more we can protect the civilian population.

“What people seem to be forgetting at the moment is that our primary job is protecting the civilian population and Gaddafi is still attacking the civilian population, so the task remains an absolutely vital one.”

He insisted there was no question of Ministers overriding military concerns about the deployment of helicopters.

Nato’s determination to avoid civilian casualties as much as possible has prevented speedier progress in Libya and Col Gaddafi is thought to be moving between hospitals in an effort to keep himself safe from air strikes.

The capability of RAF missions flown against Gaddafi-regime targets is being enhanced by the addition of 2,000lb “bunker busting” bombs – the Enhanced Paveway III (EPWIII). They are designed to penetrate the roof or wall of a hardened building.