MPs condemn 'illegal move' by David Cameron to get rid of Gaddafi

MPs today demanded a recall of Parliament, accusing David Cameron of seeking "illegal" regime change in Libya.

They condemned the Prime Minister as "outrageous" after he wrote a joint article with US President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy saying Colonel Gaddafi "must go, and go for good".

The MPs insisted Parliament had only given its backing for a no-fly zone to protect civilians when it authorised action last month.

John Baron, the Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay and a member of the foreign affairs committee, told the Standard: "This joint letter makes it clear to the world that Nato will not stop till Gaddafi is removed. If that isn't regime change I don't know what is.

"You only recall Parliament if there has been a material change of emphasis and this is a clear change of mission. The bottom line is that regime change is illegal under international law."

Peter Bone, the Tory MP for Wellingborough, said of the letter: "That is regime change and that is what we said this was not about. I see no reason why Parliament should not be recalled."

But Tory MP Richard Ottaway, chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said there was currently no need for the Commons to be recalled.

He said the joint article did not "take things any further", adding: "I think we should only be recalling Parliament if there is a change of policy and in all honesty I don't see a change in policy."

However, the demands for Parliament to be recalled were backed by a host of Labour MPs. Brent North's Barry Gardiner said it was "outrageous" to be talking about regime change, adding: "There is the most extraordinary mission creep."

Halifax MP Linda Riordan said: "What they have come out with is totally against what was agreed in Parliament." Thomas Docherty, a member of the defence select committee, said he would back a vote to authorise regime change but added: "This is well beyond what the House of Commons voted for. It is well beyond the resolution."

In the letter, the leaders said it would be an "unconscionable betrayal" if Gaddafi were left in place.

They vowed to continue with the Nato action to protect civilians until the dictator is removed, saying rebuilding the country could only be started once he has left. The leaders wrote: "It is unthinkable that someone who has tried to massacre his own people can play a part in their future government."

But Tory MP Patrick Mercer, a former Army officer, said President Obama should "put his might where his mouth is" following calls from the UK and France for Nato to step up attacks on Gaddafi's heavy weapons.

The leaders also condemned Gaddafi's "medieval siege" of Misrata, the only rebel stronghold in the west of the country. A senior committee of MPs issued a damning report on the Typhoon aircraft in use over Libya. The Commons Public Accounts Committee said a lack of spare parts meant the jets were being grounded because pilots could not do enough training.

The Commons is in recess for Easter and MPs are not due to return to Westminster until April 26. Mr Baron was the only Conservative MP to vote against military action in Libya.

A Government source played down suggestions of a recall, saying: "The position hasn't changed. The military aims are clearly set out in the UN Security Council resolution, but we have also been clear that we want Gaddafi to go."