David Cameron
Posted on 08/15/2006 6:50:07 PM PDT by blam
Cameron attacks Blair over terrorism fight
By George Jones and Graeme Wilson
(Filed: 16/08/2006)
The united front in the battle against terrorism was shattered yesterday as David Cameron accused the Government of not doing enough to fight Islamic extremism. Ministers immediately accused him of "playing politics" with national security.
The Conservative leader, making his first political intervention since returning from holiday, launched an outspoken attack on the Government's security record in the wake of the alleged attempt to blow up transatlantic passenger jets. He praised the police and security services but called for an urgent rethink of the "bizarre" decision by Gordon Brown, the Chancellor, to freeze the Home Office budget for the next three years.
Mr Cameron criticised the delay in making intercept evidence available in court in trials of terrorist suspects and accused Tony Blair of failing to implement a 12-point security plan announced after the July 7 bombings last year and the recommendations on community cohesion.
The Tory leader claimed that John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, was not up to the job of leading the Government during the crisis while Mr Blair was in Barbados. Mr Prescott, led Labour's counter-attack, accusing Mr Cameron of undermining the fight against terrorism and failing to support earlier security measures introduced by the Government. The Deputy Prime Minister said: "David Cameron's remarks are almost beyond belief. At a time when we should all stand united in the face of alleged terrorist threats, he seeks to undermine that unity."
But fresh questions about Mr Prescott's grip on the crisis were raised last night after Muslim Labour MPs said that he disclosed details of the police investigation into the alleged plot during a meeting at No 10.
He revealed that some of the 24 people arrested in recent terror raids would not face serious charges.
Mr Cameron made his comments at a Westminster press conference after meeting senior members of his shadow cabinet.
They brought a frenzied response with three ministers accusing him of breaking the cross-party consensus on fighting terrorism.
As the war of words escalated, a Labour aide close to Mr Brown said Mr Cameron had shown himself "unworthy to lead the Tory party, let alone the country".
David Cameron
So what's the story on these so-called conservatives; are they like our RINOs or what?
In the last election their main issue was that the hospitals were not clean enough. No original thoughts. Like dems they piggyback on the other party.
Not quite. They just need a good leader, and the last few (William Hague, Michael Howard) have been abysmal. They are in line with a lot of ideas of the U.S. Republicans (lowering taxes, defense, etc.). I'd rather see Cameron in power than Gordon Brown any day. Maybe not a lot of original ideas, but still a better choice than Labour (especially after Blair steps down).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.