Blair trying to distract from domestic problems, say critics

Tony Blair was accused yesterday of using a stark warning about threats to Britain from overseas to divert attention from a "crisis" in public services at home.

Conservatives criticised Mr Blair's gloomy New Year message about the "difficult and dangerous" problems of global security and the international economy.

Mr Blair said: "I cannot recall a time when Britain was confronted, simultaneously, by such a range of difficult and, in some cases, dangerous problems."

But Michael Ancram, the Tory foreign affairs spokesman, said: "There is a certain reality in what he is warning against, but what I think is quite extraordinary in his message is that he doesn't talk about those other areas of crisis: the crisis in the health service, the crisis in our schools, the crisis in law and order, the enormous looming crisis in pensions, which are going to hit people very hard over the next 12 months, with rising taxes in April.

"I do get a faint feeling that he is trying to divert attention away on to the international side in order to divert attention from all the problems there are going to be domestically for him."

Charles Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat leader, also criticised Mr Blair for failing to spell out the circumstances under which Britain would back war with Iraq.

"He should also pay more attention to what is happening here at home," Mr Kennedy said. "After nearly six years of a Labour Government, where are the real improvements he promised for our schools, hospitals and public transport system?

"These are the issues of most immediate concern to the people of Britain. His Government has done much to get new money into our public services, but now we want to see results, and his New Year message has little to say on these matters. That is a disappointment."