Charles Kennedy - "The European elections are the most appropriate forum in which to cast judgement on the actions of the Government in Iraq"

6.38.35am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 1st Jun 2004

Charles Kennedy and Chris Huhne MEP on the march last year

Charles Kennedy has said that the European election on 10th June is the best opportunity the British public have had to tell the Labour government what they think about the war in Iraq.

"Up and down the country, I have heard at first hand the dismay that people feel over Iraq. Because of the failure of leadership since the war officially ended, Iraq remains a violent and dangerous place with more lives lost every day, and Al-Qaida and the terrorists have become more emboldened.

In the run up to war, by abandoning the United Nations, the Prime Minister turned his back on the international community, on our European allies, and on the true interests of Britain. The Prime Minister's unquestioning backing of Mr. Bush has put a major strain on our relations with Europe. Britain commands less respect in Europe because of Iraq.

So the European elections are the most appropriate forum in which to cast judgement on the actions of the Government in Iraq and hold Mr. Blair to account for his part in the pre-emptive war in Iraq.

Liberal Democrats at the London rally against the war in Iraq

I do not believe for one minute that the country will be fooled by Michael Howard's u-turn on Iraq. His party were the principal cheerleaders for war in Iraq. It was the Liberal Democrats who stood up to be counted. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote against Blair and Bush's handling of Iraq.

And this is also an opportunity to say, yes, we want the environment to be a priority in Europe. Yes, we want the extra jobs and investment and trade that comes with our membership of the European Union. Yes, we want Britain to lead in Europe, not stand carping on the sidelines. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to make the European Union work for you."

Editor's Note - Crude oil reached $ 40.8 a barrel today.