Cameron's equivocation
From Martin Newland Sir: Michael Gove (The anniversary of Emperor Ming', 17 February) rightly criticises Sir Menzies Campbell's stance on the Middle East peace process in his excellent piece on the Liberal Democrats. But is it only the Liberal Democrats who can be accused of criticising Israel and America as a means of improving their domestic political fortunes? David Cameron has already delivered a major speech criticising American foreign policy, and his party was swift to adopt the language of 'proportionality' towards Israel when it was attacked last summer by Iranianequipped forces from southern Lebanon.
The Conservatives have no discernible policy towards Europe and appear to be distancing themselves from the Americans. This latter position might gain them a few votes at home, but where exactly would a future Tory government forge its key alliances if things turned nasty? Much is made of the apparent 'endorsement' of Mr Cameron in these pages by the presidential hopeful John McCain. But you can be certain that once McCain or any president of either political hue takes over the geopolitical driving seat, they will be looking for less equivocal allies than the Conservatives. It would be ironic if Mr Cameron, so 'modern' and 'progressive' in the field of domestic policy, were to render Britain a member of 'Old Europe' in the foreign-policy arena.
Martin Newland Chart Sutton, Kent
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