Hague: Libya air strikes are 'wholly legitimate'

Air strikes against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's command and control centres in Libya are "wholly legitimate", the Foreign Secretary William Hague said today.

He refused to tell MPs whether Nato forces were targeting individuals, adding that Libya's leader could "open the way" for a political solution to the conflict by stepping down from power.

Mr Hague told the Commons it was not currently possible for the United Nations to start its aid effort on the ground in Libya although preparations were being made. He added that allied forces maintained the support of the Arab League.