Britain Expels Gaddafi's Embassy Staff

The UK is to expel all Libyan Embassy staff and formally recognise the rebel-led National Transitional Council (NTC) as the country's governing authority.

Eight members of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's representatives based at the west London embassy have been asked to leave Britain.

In their place, Foreign Secretary William Hague said the UK would recognise and deal with the NTC as the "soul governmental authority in Libya".

"This decision reflects the National Transitional Council's increasing legitimacy, competence and success in reaching out ot Libyans across the country," he said.

The move comes after Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Al Megrahi appeared on Libyan state TV at a pro-government rally .

Al Megrahi, who has prostate cancer, was released from Greenock Prison by the Scottish government in August 2009 on compassionate grounds.

He had not been expected to live beyond three months.

More to follow...