This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6260855.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
'Not enough was done' over terror | 'Not enough was done' over terror |
(about 9 hours later) | |
One of Gordon Brown's closest advisers has said the government should have "done more at an earlier stage to fight the cultural war" against terrorism. | One of Gordon Brown's closest advisers has said the government should have "done more at an earlier stage to fight the cultural war" against terrorism. |
Treasury Minister Ed Balls said this did not mean ministers should "have done less on military and security". | Treasury Minister Ed Balls said this did not mean ministers should "have done less on military and security". |
But there was a need for a "stronger cultural dimension", he told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend. | |
On Saturday, the chancellor said it was important to win "hearts and minds" to defeat terrorism. | On Saturday, the chancellor said it was important to win "hearts and minds" to defeat terrorism. |
'Political challenge' | 'Political challenge' |
He told a conference in London that the government had to win "hearts and minds" to improve the UK's security. | He told a conference in London that the government had to win "hearts and minds" to improve the UK's security. |
BBC political correspondent Reeta Chakrabati said Mr Balls' comments would be "seen as a clear indication" of Mr Brown's intentions if he becomes prime minister. | BBC political correspondent Reeta Chakrabati said Mr Balls' comments would be "seen as a clear indication" of Mr Brown's intentions if he becomes prime minister. |
Mr Balls said: "We should have done more at an earlier stage to fight the cultural war - which isn't to say that you would have done less on military and security, but you would have had that stronger cultural dimension too. | Mr Balls said: "We should have done more at an earlier stage to fight the cultural war - which isn't to say that you would have done less on military and security, but you would have had that stronger cultural dimension too. |
"In the same way, I've been doing a great deal of work on the Middle East and the Palestinian and Israeli peace process... that is an inherently political challenge, but at the same time there's a very important economic dimension. | "In the same way, I've been doing a great deal of work on the Middle East and the Palestinian and Israeli peace process... that is an inherently political challenge, but at the same time there's a very important economic dimension. |
"And probably in retrospect we should have done more on the economic road map to allow economics and prosperity to support the political process." | "And probably in retrospect we should have done more on the economic road map to allow economics and prosperity to support the political process." |
On Saturday, Mr Brown said: "If you take security, which is a huge issue now, I actually think what's been undervalued is the importance of winning hearts and minds. | On Saturday, Mr Brown said: "If you take security, which is a huge issue now, I actually think what's been undervalued is the importance of winning hearts and minds. |
"You will not solve the security issues we face, particularly in relation to terrorism, simply by military, policing, intelligence and security action, important as these are." | "You will not solve the security issues we face, particularly in relation to terrorism, simply by military, policing, intelligence and security action, important as these are." |
Mr Brown also said that Africa was a frontline in the fight against terrorism and that bringing Africans out of poverty would be a top priority for his leadership. | Mr Brown also said that Africa was a frontline in the fight against terrorism and that bringing Africans out of poverty would be a top priority for his leadership. |
"Africa is a strategic as well as moral issue for us," he said. | "Africa is a strategic as well as moral issue for us," he said. |
Last week, former Home Secretary Charles Clarke said Prime Minister Tony Blair's foreign policy aspirations had "turned to dust". | Last week, former Home Secretary Charles Clarke said Prime Minister Tony Blair's foreign policy aspirations had "turned to dust". |
He also questioned whether Mr Brown - widely tipped to take over at Number 10 Downing Street - would provide "committed international engagement". | He also questioned whether Mr Brown - widely tipped to take over at Number 10 Downing Street - would provide "committed international engagement". |
Previous version
1
Next version