Labour has ‘no vision for dangerous world’
Lord Cameron appeals to British voters overseas, saying Tories have harder edge to foreign policy ‘Britain must use its agency, with our allies, to make a difference’
LABOUR has no vision for how Britain should deal with an increasingly dangerous world, Lord Cameron says today in his first major intervention in the election campaign.
Writing in The Telegraph, the Foreign Secretary issues a direct appeal to British voters living overseas to back the Conservatives because of their “harderedged” foreign policy.
Lord Cameron contrasts the Tory defence and security approach with that of Labour, writing: “We can determine our own destiny – if we have a clear plan and the courage to act.
“Keir Starmer’s Labour’s Party has no plan for the future. No vision or clarity about how Britain should rise to the challenge of a more dangerous, confrontational world.
“We cannot afford that – let alone Labour’s tax rises.
“But this Conservative Government has demonstrated the courage to act. And a government in Britain that is willing to stand up and take bold action for a more secure future is good for British citizens abroad, just as it is for Brits at home.”
On July 4, all British citizens living overseas, of whom there are approximately five million, will be allowed to vote. In 2022, the Tories scrapped rules introduced by Labour that meant expats lost their right to vote after 15 years living abroad.
It means two million more British citizens based overseas will be able to vote in this general election than the last.
Lord Cameron, who was prime minister between 2010 and 2016, has kept a low profile so far in this campaign.
His piece for The Telegraph is the first newspaper article that he has written since the election was announced.
The Foreign Secretary found himself at the centre of the row over Rishi Sunak’s decision to leave D-day commemorations in France early and return to the campaign trail.
Lord Cameron stepped in at the international event in Mr Sunak’s place and was photographed with the leaders of the United States, France, Germany. Mr Sunak later apologised for leaving early.
The issue of security is a central plank in the Tory re-election campaign.
The Conservatives are planning to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030 if re-elected.
Labour wants to hit the same figure but has not committed to a time frame.
The Tories have also highlighted the fact 11 shadow ministers once voted to scrap UK nuclear deterrent Trident.
Lord Cameron writes: “In this time of danger and insecurity, Rishi Sunak and I are clear that we need to adopt a harder edge for a tougher world. Britain must use its agency, with our allies, to make a difference and support the open international order upon which we all depend.
“Pulling up the drawbridge or taking a defensive crouch simply won’t cut it.
We need to strive to out-compete, out-cooperate and out-innovate.”
He also defends the overseas voting rule change, writing: “Decisions taken here in the UK on global issues, defence and trade matter to Brits regardless of where they live.”
Labour figures have rebutted criticism of their defence approach by noting that under the Tories the army has shrunk to its smallest size since it faced Napoleon.
Sir Keir Starmer has also said he would press the nuclear button in office, if needed, and insisted his shadow cabinet supports his pro-trident stance.
Britons living overseas have until June 18 to register to vote.
‘Keir Starmer’s Labour’s Party has no plan for the future’