Kennedy sets out principles of Liberal Democrat foreign policy

3.55.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th Jul 2005

Kennedy sets out principles of Liberal Democrat foreign policy

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has set out the four principles that will underpin Liberal Democrat foreign policy in this parliament. In a keynote speech on internationalism this afternoon Mr Kennedy said "foreign policy should not be about either permanent friends or permanent interests. Instead it should be based on and conducted against the backdrop of permanent values." In the same speech he also spoke about last week's London bombings and the situation in Iraq.

THE FOUR PRINCIPLES:

1. To be pro-European and pro-European Reform

2. The support and development of the system of international law and institutions.

3. To focus on international development

4. To care for the global environment

Mr. Kennedy also spoke on the recent terror attacks in London, Mr. Kennedy said "I am not here implying some causal link between Britain's involvement in Iraq and the terrible terrorist attacks in London last week. Not at all…but we have to recognise the occupation of Iraq by the multinational force itself contributes to the insurgency and attracts those from abroad who see the opportunity to spread violent fundamentalism… And the terrorist certainly will not shrink from using Iraq to increase resentment and as fodder for recruitment."