More British warplanes are being sent to Libya amid concerns that many of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's forces have survived air strikes. David Cameron announced that four more Tornado fighter-bombers were being deployed to the Libyan mission, taking the total for the operation to 12. It is understood the Tornados, from RAF Marham in Norfolk, will help fill gaps left by US forces, which are reducing their operations in Libya.
William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, also told MPs that Britain would supply the rebels with equipment, including communications kit.
Officials said it would "primarily" allow rebel commanders to contact the front line, but could also be used to call in coalition air strikes. Mr Hague said: "We are not engaged in arming the opposition forces."
On his flight to the Gioia del Colle airbase in southern Italy, the Prime Minister said British forces destroyed 10 armoured vehicles and three tanks over the weekend.