William Hague advises rebel leaders to prepare for government

Rebel leaders in Libya should develop their transition plans in "more detail" to ensure smooth governance following Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi's departure, the Foreign Secretary has said.

William Hague said Col Gaddafi's regime was "isolated and on the defensive" and had been abandoned by a number of senior military officers.

He updated MPs on his visit to Benghazi at the weekend, where he held talks with leaders of the National Transitional Council (NTC).

"In our meetings, we found the NTC focused on Libya's future," Mr Hague told the Commons.

"They have published a road map for a transition to democracy, with an interim government including some technocratic members of the regime and elections.

"We have advised them to develop their proposed transition in more detail to ensure that comprehensive plans are in place."

Mr Hague said allied forces had "increased the tempo" of its air strikes, which were taking place at a rate of around 50 missions against strategic targets daily.