Blair in denial over Iraq, says Kennedy · Pride preventing troops' withdrawal, members told · Offence of glorifying terrorism 'is unworkable'
Tania Branigan and Michael White Thursday September 22, 2005 The Guardian Charles Kennedy will today use his keynote address to the Liberal Democrat conference to accuse the prime minister of "playing politics" with opposition leaders over anti-terrorism legislation and of letting his pride get in the way of withdrawing British troops from Iraq. Recalling the extra 1m votes his anti-war stance won on May 5, the Liberal Democrats' leader will don the mantle of "real opposition leader" to accuse Tony Blair of being in denial over Iraq and over anti-terror legislation. Mr Kennedy will step up his demand for a timetable for withdrawing UK troops, saying: "The government must confront the fact that the presence of British and American forces in Iraq is a part of the problem. After this week's events in Basra we cannot sustain the myth that Iraqis see coalition troops as liberators. What they see is an occupation." Mr Kennedy's admirers point to his decision to oppose the 2003 war as proof that he is brave and shrewd. But others doubt he is ambitious enough to make the most of his chances. Today he will try to dispel such notions in a speech billed as personal in its discussion of his motives. He will reinforce the message, given to the Blackpool conference yesterday by Mark Oaten, his home affairs spokesman, that the party will not back the "unworkable" offence of glorifying terrorism or the plans to hold suspects for up to three months without charge. Mr Kennedy, who must use today's speech to convince Lib Dem MPs and activists that he really wants to soldier on as leader, will tell the conference: "Just as we Liberal Democrats opposed the flawed logic of that war in Iraq, we will oppose the flawed government claim that we have to surrender our fundamental rights in order to improve our security." He is expected to address the way liberalism should best respond to political challenges. Few senior Lib Dems believe he faces any direct challenge, but there has been an undercurrent of frustration at his laid-back leadership style. One pro-Kennedy peer, Blackpool's Lord Tom McNally, told the Guardian yesterday: "The goodwill for Charles is enormous; I don't know anyone with malicious intent. But I'm still waiting for Prince Hal to become Henry V." Few colleagues want him to quit and there is no obvious successor. His deputy, Sir Menzies Campbell, 62, has let it be known he is willing to serve if Mr Kennedy steps down, but only if, Howard-like, he becomes leader unopposed. His defeated 1999 rival, Simon Hughes, again stressed his loyalty yesterday. But he and the brainy if uncharismatic Vince Cable would be likely to thwart that coronation scenario. Among the younger would-be leaders, Mr Oaten made an impressive platform speech yesterday. While accepting that some of the home secretary's drafted offences - of training terrorists, preparing for an attack and indirectly inciting activity - were necessary, he denounced the offence of glorifying terrorism. "One person's terrorist is another's freedom fighter," he said. "This is a dangerous proposal - hard to define in theory, unworkable in practice and putting freedom of speech at risk." He also insisted he would not agree to an extension from 14 days to three months of the period during which police can hold suspects without charge. But neither Mr Oaten nor Mr Kennedy has ruled out a compromise. Mr Oaten also advised that combating terrorism meant addressing the underlying causes, such as the "mosaic society" whereby communities coexisted but lived parallel lives. "We must work to address the genuine concerns which exist throughout our country about the state of multiculturalism. We must make new Britons feel that this is their society ... and we must address the appalling deprivation experienced by second, third and fourth generation Muslims." http://politics.guardian.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12956,1575444,00.html ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/uTGrlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Post message: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe : [EMAIL PROTECTED] List owner : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage : http://proletar.8m.com/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
