Kennedy backs multilateral war on terror
Britain should broaden its partnership with other countries in the war against terrorism, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy argued yesterday.
Speaking at his party’s spring conference in Southport, Mr Kennedy told the 1,000-strong army of delegates the UK ought to wean itself off a unilateral dependency on the United States.
“I believe the world will be a better and safer place if we gather the wisdom, the expertise and support of all friendly nations – not just the views of our only superpower – in seeking to confront terrorism.
“We play into the hands of terrorists when they succeed in driving us apart. Prime Minister, look outwards and don’t just look across the Atlantic.
“Spain, our friend, has been terribly scarred. This is a moment to draw closer to our European neighbours and this is a moment to strengthen the United Nations, an imperfect body but the best we’ve got.”
Mr Kennedy described the Madrid rail bombings – that killed more than 200 people and left 1,700 people injured on March 11 – as a “cowardly and criminal act.”
Mr Kennedy said Western powers would do well to distance themselves from US President George Bush’s policy of pre-emptive attack and instead conjure up “bold and imaginative strategies” in the war on terror.
“A doctrine of pre-emption could be an opportunity for nations to decide for themselves what constitutes a real threat.”
Reflecting on the one year anniversary of the US-led war in Iraq, Mr Kennedy said: “One year on, our country is split and many people now believe Tony Blair exaggerated the threat and sold us a flawed prospectus. Tony Blair made his case with extraordinary fervour.
“But look at Iraq today: the terrorists have arrived all right and the Americans just can’t wait to leave. Iraq has eroded trust in the Prime Minister. I believe it can’t be regained.”
Delegates and MPs gave Mr Kennedy a standing ovation at the Floral Hall in Southport.
Mr Kennedy – hit by a “violent stomach bug” in recent days – struggled during parts of the speech – sweating profusely and visibly shaking at times.
