DAVID CAMERON will criticise, in a speech today, a soundbite approach to foreign policy that sees only lightness and darkness in the world.

In remarks that are certain to be seen as an attack on the conduct of foreign policy by the Bush Administration, supported by Tony Blair, the Tory leader will say that humility and patience have been absent from the making of foreign policy in recent years.

In a reference to elements of the US Administration, Mr Cameron, speaking on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, will say pointedly that he is a liberal conservative, not a neoconservative.

In his most substantial address on security policy, Mr Cameron will make a fierce attack on anti-Americanism, which he will say is an “intellectual and moral surrender”. Sources close to the Tory leader said that his words did not mark any weakening in his support for the Iraq war, but they are nevertheless controversial after recent efforts to build bridges with the Republicans.

Mr Cameron will say that the international security challenges are greater today than five years ago. “I find it extremely troubling how many people, not just in countries affected by war and instability, but here in the West, here in Britain, regard America as the world’s worst power. Anti-Americanism represents an intellectual and moral surrender. It is a complacent cowardice born of resentment of success and a desire for the world’s problems simply to go away.”

Mr Cameron will say that he and his party are instinctive friends of America, and passionate supporters of the Atlantic alliance. “We believe in that alliance for emotional, historical and rational reasons . . . So when it comes to the special relationship with America, Conservatives feel it, understand it and believe in it.”

He will add: “We do not have to worry about a divided party at home. It is precisely this strength of feeling that gives us the confidence to speak freely to any American Administration. I believe that it is now vital for our strategic and security interests that we challenge anti-Americanism. That means reviving the best traditions of the special relationship. And it means developing with America a tough and effective foreign policy for the age of international terrorism: a policy that moves beyond neo conservatism, retaining its strengths but learning from its failures.”

He will say that humility and patience have been missing from foreign policy in the past five years. “These are not war-like words,” he will say. “They are not so glamorous and exciting as the easy soundbites we have grown used to in recent years. But these soundbites had the failing of all foreign policy designed to fit into a headline. They were unrealistic and simplistic. They represented a view which sees only light and darkness in the world and which believes that one can be turned to the other as simply as flicking a switch. I do not see things that way. I am a liberal conservative, rather than a neoconservative.”

Sir Menzies Campbell, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: “The sense of unity reflected by the headline in Le Monde stating ‘We are all Americans now’ was unique. The campaign against terrorism has unfortunately not been characterised by that same spirit.

“Our thoughts are with those who perished in New York and all of those who have been a victim of terrorism since. I remain firmly convinced that concerted international action based upon the rule of law and in the name of the UN remains our best defence.”

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