Blair 'ignoring domestic disorder'

Tony Blair: Under fire for "global vision"

Tony Blair has been accused of ignoring domestic problems in favour of the international agenda.

The criticism came from the Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, as the prime minister gave a speech to business leaders in India.

Mr Blair set out his vision for Britain's role in a world changed by the terrorist attacks of 11 September.

Mr Blair should not keep on going around the world lecturing everybody about a new world order when back at home there is clear disorder

Iain Duncan Smith, Conservative leader

But Mr Duncan Smith said that, instead of talking about a new world order, Mr Blair should be at home where health queues were lengthening, railways were on strike, and violent crime was rampant.

"Mr Blair should not keep on going around the world lecturing everybody about a new world order when back at home there is clear disorder", the Tory leader told BBC News.

In his speech in Bangalore on Saturday, Mr Blair said the UK's past meant it had "unparalleled connections" with countries across the globe, and was ready to take a leading role in the fight against terrorism.

He said the days of empire were long gone but a new "modern foreign policy" for Britain was emerging.

"We are not a super power, but we can act as a pivotal partner, acting with others to make sense of this global interdependence and make it a force for good, for our own nation and the wider world."

Blair will discuss Kashmir at later talks

In response to criticism, Mr Blair insisted the domestic and international agendas were inextricably linked.

"Sometimes it is said it is too utopian to think that we can change the world after the events of 11 September," he said.

"If we can't at least try, what is the point of government and politics?"

Shadow defence secretary Bernard Jenkin accused Mr Blair of trying to divert attention from the government's domestic difficulties.

"Other countries will not take lectures about the so-called new world order from a British prime minister who cannot deliver basic public services run by his own failing government," he said.

And Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, cast doubt on Mr Blair's ability to achieve his aims.

"Without substantial additional investment in military and diplomatic capability and a significant increase in overseas aid these aspirations simply cannot be achieved."

'Politics, not terror'

Mr Blair also offered his "total solidarity" to India in the wake of recent attacks on the country blamed on militant groups based in Pakistan.

Terrorism is terrorism wherever it occurs and whoever are its victims

Prime Minister Tony Blair

His comments came ahead of his talks, due to take place on Sunday, with Indian Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee on the second leg of his diplomatic tour of South Asia.

The UK prime minister confirmed that Kashmir would feature heavily in the talks.

Mr Blair told the Confederation of Indian Industry that an absolute rejection of terrorism must be the starting point for talks over the disputed state of Kashmir.

He stressed "only politics, not terror, can solve issues like this".

"Terrorism is terrorism wherever it occurs and whoever are its victims," he added.

He described December's attacks on India's parliament building as an "attack on democracy itself".

Sensitive issue

"The appalling attacks...demonstrate more clearly than ever the threat such fanatics pose not just on your democracy but to all democracies and civilised values in the whole world," he said.

Kashmir is a sensitive issue - as Mr Blair discovered when he caused a row in the Indian press with his comments that "Pakistan has a very strong position on Kashmir".

Downing Street insists his comments were misinterpreted and he meant that Pakistan was putting its case forcefully.

Mr Blair is also due to hold talks with Pakistan's President General Musharraf.

Meanwhile attempts are continuing to try and defuse tensions between India and Pakistan to avert the threat of a full scale war.

India's prime minister cautiously welcomed Pakistan's offer of "a hand of friendship" at a regional summit in Nepal, but said it must be matched by an intensified crackdown on anti-Indian militant groups.

Mr Blair will travel to Pakistan after meeting the Indian leader.