U-turn after industry outrage at decision to ban travel to Libya to rebuild the country
锘縏he Foreign and Commonwealth Office has changed its advice about travelling to Libya, two weeks after 黑洞社区 revealed that this was hampering efforts by UK firms to win work and help rebuild the country.
The FCO had advised against all travel to the country but last week changed this to advise against 鈥渁ll but essential travel鈥� to towns and cities including Tripoli, Misrata and Benghazi.
Speaking to 黑洞社区 at the Liberal Democrat conference, business secretary Vince Cable also pledged to look into the UK鈥檚 official travel advice following complaints that it could act as a barrier to overseas trade.
Earlier this month, Graham Hand, chief executive of British Expertise - an organisation representing construction and architecture firms seeking international work - claimed in 黑洞社区 that the FCO鈥檚 unequivocal advice not to travel to Libya was a product of the 鈥渘anny state鈥� designed to protect 鈥渢he most gormless tourist鈥�.
This week he said: 鈥淭his is what I have been asking for and will be a signal to those wanting to promote trade to go ahead.鈥�
Speaking on Monday at a conference fringe event on overseas trade organised by the Financial Times and the City of London, Cable said he was unaware of Hand鈥檚 complaints but said he would 鈥渦ndertake to find out鈥� more.
A spokesperson for the FCO said: 鈥淲e are always reviewing out travel advice and we change it as appropriate.鈥�
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