This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-12948467

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
BBC poll suggests public split on Libya military action BBC poll suggests public split on Libya military action
(40 minutes later)
The British public is split in its support for the military intervention in Libya, according to a nationwide poll conducted for the BBC.The British public is split in its support for the military intervention in Libya, according to a nationwide poll conducted for the BBC.
Of 2,000 asked, 38% thought the UK and its allies were right to carry out air strikes, while 35% said it was the wrong decision.Of 2,000 asked, 38% thought the UK and its allies were right to carry out air strikes, while 35% said it was the wrong decision.
And 65% said the UK's involvement in Libya "will last for some time".And 65% said the UK's involvement in Libya "will last for some time".
The online poll of 2,011 respondents was conducted by ICM for Broadcasting House on BBC Radio 4, on 30-31 March.The online poll of 2,011 respondents was conducted by ICM for Broadcasting House on BBC Radio 4, on 30-31 March.
Iraq contrast The military action has full UN authority, and government ministers have argued that the attacks have stopped a massacre.
The military action has full UN authority, and the government argues strongly that the attacks have stopped a massacre. 'Legal and right'
But in the BBC poll, only 38% said it was the "right decision" when asked: "All things considered, do you think that the UK and its allies made the right decision or the wrong decision to conduct military air strikes in Libya?" A government spokesman said: "The decision on British military involvement in Libya was taken by the entire Cabinet, in consultation with the US, France, Arab states and other countries, and with UN backing. It has Parliament's strong support.
This contrasts with the Iraq war in 2003, when a similar poll showed 53% backed military intervention. "The action is being undertaken to protect the civilian population in Libya. It is necessary, legal and right."
In the BBC poll, 38% said it was the "right decision" when asked: "All things considered, do you think that the UK and its allies made the right decision or the wrong decision to conduct military air strikes in Libya?"
35% said it was the wrong decision, while 24% said they did not know.
These figures contrast with a similar poll about the Iraq war in 2003, which suggested 53% backed military intervention.
In Iraq, the post-invasion bloodshed caused a dramatic drop in popularity for the action.In Iraq, the post-invasion bloodshed caused a dramatic drop in popularity for the action.
The BBC poll also asked the public how long they believed the Libyan action would last.
65% chose the option "Will last for some time", while just 14% chose "Will be over pretty quickly". 20% didn't know.
Pollsters say support for the Libya action will depend on if and when leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi goes, the number of civilian casualties, and whether there are any British military deaths.Pollsters say support for the Libya action will depend on if and when leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi goes, the number of civilian casualties, and whether there are any British military deaths.
Indiscipline
Coalition forces have been attacking targets in Libya under a UN resolution which authorises military strikes to protect civilians and enforce a no-fly zone.
The action followed protests against Col Gaddafi's 42-year-long rule, which began peacefully but soon escalated into violent confrontation.
On Friday, it was reported that at least 13 people were killed when a coalition air strike hit a rebel convoy between Brega and Ajdabiya in Libya.
It is thought that an anti-aircraft gun may have been fired in celebration, and a coalition plane then opened fire on the convoy, destroying the five vehicles. Nato, which is now leading the coalition action, is investigating the incident.
There were reports of further fighting in the Libyan town of Misrata on Sunday.
Residents say forces loyal to Col Gaddafi shelled a building which was previously used to treat the wounded.
Meanwhile, the former Libyan foreign minister, Moussa Koussa, is continuing to be questioned by intelligence and diplomatic officials in the UK.
He arrived on Wednesday saying he had fled from Col Gaddafi's regime, as he was no longer willing to represent it.
Scottish police and prosecutors want to talk to Mr Koussa about the 1988 Lockerbie bombing in which 270 people died.
In the 1980s he was a leading member of the Libyan Bureau for External Security (the Mathaba) which has been linked to the Lockerbie attack.
A Crown Office spokesperson said: "Representatives of the Crown Office and Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary have been in close contact with FCO officials over recent days and will be meeting with them on Monday to discuss the situation concerning Mr Moussa Koussa further."