Bassingbourn: Libyan Forces Training

9 July 2013, 13:11 | Updated: 9 July 2013, 13:49

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed up to 2,000 members of the Libyan armed forces will be trained in Cambridgeshire.

Soldiers from Libya will be given training in basic infantry skills and leadership at Bassingbourn Barracks in South Cambridgeshire.

The training is expected to begin later this year.

Members of the Libyan Forces will be bought to the UK in small groups for courses which are expected to last at least ten weeks.

The Ministry of Defence says all visiting forces personnel will be vetted in advance for 'medical, physical and behavioural suitability'.

The Libyan government will pay for the training.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "The government firmly believes that a stable, open and democratic Libya contributing to wider regional stability and security is in the UK's interest. 

That is why we are working closely with the US and other European countries, to lead the broader international effort, coordinated by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), to support Libya's democratic transition and the Libyan authorities' efforts to make visible improvements in public security in Libya." 

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond added: "The UK's armed forces are recognised as being amongst the best in the world so it is no surprise that we are one of the countries Libya has turned to for this specialist training. 

The UK provides world-class defence training and education to many counties, creating lasting ties between our armed forces and enhancing their ability to work together towards regional security and stability." 

Around 7,000 Libyan troops in total will be trained by some of the G8 countries.