Kennedy launches Lib Dems manifesto

12.12.51am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th Apr 2005

Lib Dems are the REAL alternative

Charles Kennedy has presented a programme for the government of Britain based on "dignity for older people, real opportunity for our children, and a fair deal for families" at the launch of the party's manifesto for the 2005 General Election. West Chelmsford candidate Stephen Robinson welcomed the programme, entitled "The Real Alternative".

Mr Kennedy set out a vision of "a Britain that celebrates diversity and provides the opportunities for each individual to make the best of their talents." The Liberal Democrats will "offer a real alternative to the authoritarian instincts of the Labour Government and the insular and narrow-minded instincts of the Conservatives".

Liberal Democrat priorities for the next parliament will be:

• Ending unfairness in the NHS. That will mean free eye and dental checks and lower prescription charges, and an end to the hidden NHS waiting lists - with faster diagnosis so that, if you are ill, treatment can start quickly.

• Free personal care for the elderly - help with things like washing and feeding for people with long-term illnesses.

• Lower class sizes - with 21,000 new primary school teachers to give our children the best start in life.

• An end to student tuition fees - because access to education should be based on the ability to learn - not on the ability to pay.

• More police out on the beat - cutting crime and the fear of crime. 10,000 extra police backed up by 20,000 community support officers. Part of a strong package on law and order which is tough, focused and smart.

• An end to the unfair Council Tax - because the amount you pay should be based on the amount you can afford.

• Better pensions - £100 on the basic state pension for the over 75s, who are the poorest and most vulnerable of our pensioners. A Citizen's Pension for the over 75s will, for the first time, give women a full basic pension by right, addressing a scandal which has been ignored far too long.

Mr Kennedy commented:

"We say no hidden taxes. We have only one tax raising measure which will fund three key priorities. In order to end student tuition fees, provide free personal care for the elderly and reduce local taxes, the one percent of people earning over £100,000 a year will pay a new top rate of tax - a marginal rate of 50p - less than equivalent people were paying under the majority of the period Mrs Thatcher was Prime Minister. 99% of people will not pay more tax under this proposal - but the benefits will be for 100% of people.

"Our other priorities described in this programme for government will be funded by spending £5bn a year of existing money differently. This means, for example, no compulsory Identity Cards, no Child Trust Fund, and cuts in unnecessary quangos, programmes and government department functions. In their place you will get better pensions, more police, and lower class sizes. These are our priorities, and I believe they match the priorities of the people of Britain.

"Our Local Income Tax, which will replace the unfair Council Tax, is a tax cutting measure. Its overall burden will be less than the overall burden of the unfair Council Tax. In every local authority in Britain, people will collectively pay less than they do today under Council Tax. A typical household will be £450 better off. And 6 million pensioners will pay no local tax at all."

Mr Kennedy also emphasised that the manifesto contains green policies in every area of government: "Time is not on our side. The reality of climate change is with us here and now. It is wrong that this issue simply does not feature more prominently in the priorities of the Labour and Conservative parties."

He concluded by saying:

"Many people will remember the principled and consistent Liberal Democrat opposition to the war in Iraq. Many people will remember that the Conservatives lined up with Tony Blair and George Bush. The Liberal Democrats have been the real opposition - representing the views of millions of our fellow citizens.

"It is a great privilege for me, at this General Election, to be leading the most socially progressive party in British politics. It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to take our programme for government to the people of Britain at this General Election.

"At this election we are the real alternative."

You can read the Liberal Democrat manifesto, The Real Alternative, by visiting www.libdems.org.uk/party/policy/manifesto.html