Labour party.

• Position: ELECTION 2005 - Political party

Most New Zealanders are proud of the stands our country takes on international issues. By applying the values and principles that we hold as New Zealanders, we have built a reputation as a country that makes a strong contribution to international affairs beyond our stature as a small nation, and that is prepared to think and speak for itself.

Over the last six years Labour has ensured that New Zealand has lived up to that reputation. All New Zealanders will take pride in United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan's comment that he regarded New Zealand as a 'model international citizen'.

New Zealanders want their country to promote our own views as an independent nation. For Labour, the question of New Zealand's right to make its own decisions is as important as the underlying issue of New Zealand remaining nuclear free, and our resolute opposition to changing the legislation.

This viewpoint is not evenly shared across the political spectrum. In National, the importance of having bigger friends and allies, and being supportive of their views, remains a more predominant attitude. Last year, Simon Power, National's then defence spokesman, stated: 'without reservation we will support our close allies Australia, the United States and Britain when and wherever our commitment is called upon'. While he was reprimanded by Don Brash, this statement was consistent with National Party comments in the foreign policy area.

Lockwood Smith asked an American Congressional delegation if getting rid of our nuclear policy would secure a free trade agreement. Labour certainly wants an FTA with the United States--and we are continuing to work hard on securing one--but we would never allow a sovereign decision to be suborned for commercial gain.

Dr Brash's own desire to please others at the expense of New Zealand's independence is reflected in his 'gone by lunchtime' comment on the nuclear free legislation, while Dr Smith thinks it is perfectly acceptable to suggest that a US think tank could help National sell its pro-nuclear policy to the electorate.

In the same vein, Nick Smith believes we should withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol unless Australia and the United States join up.

There is also a clear difference between Labour and National over the war in Iraq. Labour opposed the invasion, and believed any military action against Saddam Hussein should have been only as a last resort, mandated by a UN Security Council resolution, and based on more substantial evidence of weapons of mass destruction.

Dr Brash has stated on several occasions that he supported the invasion. However with the election now imminent, he is equivocating on the issue of whether he would, if Prime Minister, commit young New Zealanders to fight in Iraq.

The question is not, as he alleges, now just a matter of history. The conflict with Iraq is on-going...