Took slams Cameron Speech

4.56.47pm GMT Fri 16th Dec 2005

Chris Took slams Cameron

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman Chris Took has slammed new Tory leader David Cameron's speech today in Lib Dem held Hereford.

In the speech Cameron claimed that the Lib Dems and the Tories are on the same side on Iraq.

"Are we really to believe that after two weeks the Tories have executed a U-turn in almost every policy area? This just strains credibility.

The Conservatives voted with Tony Blair on Iraq. David Cameron did too. Is he prepared to say that he was wrong to vote that way?"

Cameron also claimed that Conservatives believe passionately in green politics.

"I would ask therefore if David Cameron now believes in the climate change levy? Has he given up on nuclear power? Has he done a u-turn already on the pledge he made in his acceptance speech to build more roads?"

"Being a liberal is not about taking the worst of New Labour spin and trying to make the Tories 'touchy feeley."

"Being a liberal is about taking the tough decisions required to tackle climate change - not running scared. Being a liberal is about policies designed to tackle the unfairness at the heart of our tax system which means poor people pay proportionately more than the rich - not about making that situation worse. Being a liberal is about policies to tackle inequalities in our society - in our education system and in the NHS - not setting up an escape route for the wealthy. Being a liberal is about standing up for international law and rebuilding Britain's international reputation after the horror of Iraq - not voting with Labour, like David Cameron did, in what has proven to be the worst foreign policy mistake since Suez."

"If Mr Cameron would like to join a liberal party then I would be delighted to send Liberal Democrat membership forms to him in the post. They should arrive just in time for Christmas."