Cameron Denies UK Global Standing Demise

Later in his first foreign affairs speech, the Prime Minister will admit to the UK's loss in respect over its finances, but will deny a decline in its global standing.

David Cameron will state that the country is "at the centre" of global decisions while remaining a "great economic power" and military force.

However, he will agree that UK economic strength is important to "restore our respect in the world".

This comes as ex-military chiefs criticised the coalition government regarding cost-cutting measures in the armed forces.

In his foreign affairs address to the Lord Mayor's banquet, the Prime Minister will reject any notion that Britain is falling behind.

He will also promise a foreign policy "focused like a laser on defending and advancing Britain's national interest".

Regarding the record deficit, he is expected to say it "is as important a foreign policy priority as it is a domestic one.

"We need to sort out the economy if we are to carry weight in the world.

"Economic weakness at home translates into political weakness abroad.

"Economic strength will restore our respect in the world and our national self confidence."

He will discuss Britain's military budget and highlight the UK's role being the second-biggest contributor of forces in Afghanistan.

Concluding, he is expected to say: "We have to be more strategic and hard-headed about how we go about advancing our national interests.

"Our foreign policy is one of hard-headed internationalism - more commercial in enabling Britain to earn its way in the world once again, more strategic in its focus on meeting the new and emerging threats to our national security.

"And firmly committed to upholding our values and defending Britain's moral authority even in the most difficult of circumstances.

"Above all, our foreign policy is more hard-headed in this respect: it will focus like a laser on defending and advancing Britain's national interest."

(BMcN/KMcA)