single standards

So Nick only has a go at the Lib Dems because they exhibit double standards on human rights, eh? To wit:

I go on about the Lib Dems under Sir Menzies because they reflect, albeit in an extreme form, a hypocritical relativism which is endemic in mainstream European opinion. They think they are being liberal when they imply it is an act of cultural imperialism to demand that the same human rights standards should apply in the poor world as the rich world.

Now that would be all very well if Nick stuck a single standard on the issue. Here’s Tony Blair on Britain’s relationship with China.

"...once again I would like to say how strong the co-operation between our two countries is now, the healthy state of our bilateral relationship, and across a whole range of issues, not just economic but political also, Britain and China are working closely and well together, and long may that continue."

Now whether Iran is a rogue nation or not, it’s certainly has more in the way of national elections than China and it would be difficult to argue that the political systems of either country would found acceptable to someone inclined to judge them on the basis of human rights.

Tell us Nick, is it also an act of cultural imperialism to demand that the same human rights standards should apply in a country where the UK has $12 billion invested as in one where it does not? I presume Nick doesn’t think so, but surprisingly enough I haven’t seen any sort of discussion by him on the matter. After all, such double standards are the only reason he keeps having a go at poor old Ming the Merciful...