Charles Kennedy

Liberal Democrats | Ross Skye & Lochaber

Kennedy: Archbishop Right To Oppose The Politics Of Fear

Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats has written in response to the Archbishop of Canterbury following the publication of his the open letter to party leaders regarding the general election campaign. 

Mr Kennedy addresses the specific concerns raised by the Archbishop such as on the environment and crime.  In his opening remarks, Mr Kennedy said:

“I agree absolutely that negative campaigning based on the politics of fear and designed to frighten voters demeans our political debate. 

“I am determined that at this election, the Liberal Democrats will run a positive campaign that will address people’s hopes, not play to their fears. 

“Britain is in so many ways a fortunate country.  Britain is affluent by international standards and we have principles of tolerance and social justice.  But we must be ambitious for Britain. 

“We believe the general election should be about the creation of a fairer Britain of real opportunity for young people and dignity for our older people. And a Britain that acts responsibly on the world stage.

“You are right to say that the problems we as a country face cannot be tackled with ‘defensive and short-term solutions’.  That is why we will set out effective solutions to the real problems that face people in Britain, and promote positive engagement with our European partners and allies to address the problems that face the whole planet.”

Full Text of Mr Kennedy’s letter:

---

The Archbishop of Canterbury,
Dr Rowan Williams,
Lambeth Palace,
London SE1 7JU

31 March 2005

Dear Archbishop,

Thanks you for your open letter to the party leaders on the forthcoming general election.

I was greatly heartened by your letter.  I agree absolutely that negative campaigning based on the politics of fear and designed to frighten voters demeans our political debate.  I am determined that at this election, the Liberal Democrats will run a positive campaign that will address people’s hopes, not play to their fears. 

Britain is in so many ways a fortunate country.  Britain is affluent by international standards and we have principles of tolerance and social justice.  But we must be ambitious for Britain.  We believe the general election should be about the creation of a fairer Britain of real opportunity for young people and dignity for our older people. And a Britain that acts responsibly on the world stage.

You are right to say that the problems we as a country face cannot be tackled with ‘defensive and short-term solutions’.  That is why we will set out effective solutions to the real problems that face people in Britain, and promote positive engagement with our European partners and allies to address the problems that face the whole planet.

To address the points you raised:

On the Environment, I have written to Tony Blair and Michael Howard to urge a cross-party agreement on the Environment.  Climate change is far too critical an issue.  It requires long-term sustained action.  It should transcend party colours.  First, I would like to forge agreement on the basic long-term climate change targets for Britain so that we lead the world by example.  And second to push ahead with an international consensus based on the approach of ‘contraction and convergence’ that draws in nations like the United States and fast developing countries such as India and China. 

On the sale of arms it is essential that British arms exports neither encourage conflict nor assist repression.  So we will establish a cross-party Parliamentary Arms Export Committee to monitor arms exports and scrutinise individual licence applications. We will require arms brokers to register under a code of conduct and revoke the licences of those who break the code.  On the international stage we will press for an International Arms Trade Treaty.

On Crime, when 60% of prisoners just come out of prison and commit more crime, the emphasis should not be just on punishment but on making our justice system really work.  That is what the Liberal Democrats have been talking about - punishment and rehabilitation.  We would make prisoners work their sentence – not sit around in their cells.  Give them schooling; give them a trade; provide them the tools to go straight when they get out. Taking away their liberty is correct as a punishment.  But giving them an alternative to a life of crime is the long-term solution.  That is a constructive penal policy.  It is not a ‘soft’ option.  It is essential if we are to reduce crime.

On the support for the family, we believe that children well cared for and well taught in their early years have a greater chance of successful and rewarding lives.  That is why our focus is on assisting families, especially new families with increased maternity pay, access to new local childcare centres and lower class sizes for infants and junior.  We believe that the more responsibility young people are given the more responsibly they behave.  And that can lead to greater involvement in community life.  Our Youth Manifesto for this election promotes positive solutions to the problems young people face – like vocation and skills training to help young people achieve their potential.

Yours sincerely,

Rt. Hon. Charles Kennedy MP