Bill English Leader of the Opposition

9 October 2001

Bi-partisan commitment to war on terror required

Opposition Leader Bill English is calling on Helen Clark to reconsider her dismissal of National Party support for the Government's commitment to the war on terrorism.

"Today in the House it became clear in Question Time that Helen Clark does not have the support of the Greens and is having some difficulty obtaining the support of the Alliance in the Government's commitment to the war on terror," Mr English said.

"The National Party supports the Government's commitment to the war on terror. We believe that in the face of the threat of terror, it is important for responsible parties in Parliament to join forces as they have in the past in the face of lesser threats.

"However, I am disappointed that Helen Clark has discounted National's support. In the Gulf War, the Iraqi bombings, and in East Timor, National accepted and appreciated Labour's support for committing New Zealand troops. A bi-partisan approach to the war on terror is all the more important now that Ms Clark does not have the strong support of the smaller parties who maintain her Government.

"This appears to be an unwise and offhand attitude with respect to matters of serious national interest.

"I invite her to reconsider her position and take the opportunity to accept National's support for her commitment of New Zealand troops to the war on terrorism," Mr English said.

Ends

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