Menu
12/04/2010
Labour Launches Manifesto
Gordon Brown today launched Labour's 2010 General Election Manifesto, with proposals that are "ambitious but affordable", according to the party.
He said the plans outlined both what Labour "has done well" and the "lessons we take from our experience to date".
Mr Brown said the manifesto is centred on rebuilding the UK economy.
"We will back business to create one million more skilled jobs and grow our economy through advanced technology, exports and business investment," said the Prime Minister.
"Labour’s Manifesto sets out our plan, equipping more people for the jobs of the future with up to 70,000 advanced apprenticeships and new Skills Accounts," he said.
"It also sets out our plan to modernise Britain’s infrastructure with High Speed Rail, a Green Investment Bank and broadband access for all."
The manifesto pledges to revitalise communities, protecting local pubs and post offices; improving care for the elderly with a new National Care Service, and giving new powers to PCSOs to deal with anti-social behaviour.
Mr Brown said Labour would work to restore trust in politics
"Our Manifesto sets out plans to give people a right to recall MPs who let them down, a referendum on moving to the alternative vote for the House of Commons and a referendum on a democratic Second Chamber and a free vote in Parliament on reducing the voting age to 16."
The Prime Minister conceded that this cannot, and will not, be a ‘business as usual’ election or manifesto.
"We will rebuild the economy to secure the recovery and invest in future growth and jobs," he said.
"There are no big new spending commitments, but there is a determination for every penny to be used wisely, and, as present plans make clear, to give the maximum protection to frontline public services."
Other pledges include minimum wage rises, extending paternity leave and a £4-a-week "toddler tax credit" from 2012.
Labour has also insisted there are no plans to raise income tax.
Opposition parties have slammed the election document.
Tories claimed Labour is out of ideas, while Lib Dems said they do not trust the current Government with reforming politics and taxation.
(PR/GK)
He said the plans outlined both what Labour "has done well" and the "lessons we take from our experience to date".
Mr Brown said the manifesto is centred on rebuilding the UK economy.
"We will back business to create one million more skilled jobs and grow our economy through advanced technology, exports and business investment," said the Prime Minister.
"Labour’s Manifesto sets out our plan, equipping more people for the jobs of the future with up to 70,000 advanced apprenticeships and new Skills Accounts," he said.
"It also sets out our plan to modernise Britain’s infrastructure with High Speed Rail, a Green Investment Bank and broadband access for all."
The manifesto pledges to revitalise communities, protecting local pubs and post offices; improving care for the elderly with a new National Care Service, and giving new powers to PCSOs to deal with anti-social behaviour.
Mr Brown said Labour would work to restore trust in politics
"Our Manifesto sets out plans to give people a right to recall MPs who let them down, a referendum on moving to the alternative vote for the House of Commons and a referendum on a democratic Second Chamber and a free vote in Parliament on reducing the voting age to 16."
The Prime Minister conceded that this cannot, and will not, be a ‘business as usual’ election or manifesto.
"We will rebuild the economy to secure the recovery and invest in future growth and jobs," he said.
"There are no big new spending commitments, but there is a determination for every penny to be used wisely, and, as present plans make clear, to give the maximum protection to frontline public services."
Other pledges include minimum wage rises, extending paternity leave and a £4-a-week "toddler tax credit" from 2012.
Labour has also insisted there are no plans to raise income tax.
Opposition parties have slammed the election document.
Tories claimed Labour is out of ideas, while Lib Dems said they do not trust the current Government with reforming politics and taxation.
(PR/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 March 2005
4.1% council tax rise announced
Council tax rises in England next year will be the lowest in over a decade, Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford has announced. According to new figures from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), the average Band D increase in England will be 4.1% – representing a rise of £47 from £1,167 to £1,214 for the whole year.
4.1% council tax rise announced
Council tax rises in England next year will be the lowest in over a decade, Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford has announced. According to new figures from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), the average Band D increase in England will be 4.1% – representing a rise of £47 from £1,167 to £1,214 for the whole year.
13 April 2005
Labour launch election manifesto
Tony Blair launched Labour’s election manifesto today with pledges to increase spending on education and the health service, alongside promises not to increase the basic or top rates of income tax.
Labour launch election manifesto
Tony Blair launched Labour’s election manifesto today with pledges to increase spending on education and the health service, alongside promises not to increase the basic or top rates of income tax.
31 March 2005
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
22 February 2005
Liberal Democrats target the female vote
The Liberal Democrats have launched their party manifesto for women, promising to introduce a fairer Citizen's Pension and a Maternity Income Guarantee. Launching the manifesto, Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, said: "These are areas of public policy which disadvantage women.
Liberal Democrats target the female vote
The Liberal Democrats have launched their party manifesto for women, promising to introduce a fairer Citizen's Pension and a Maternity Income Guarantee. Launching the manifesto, Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, said: "These are areas of public policy which disadvantage women.
15 April 2010
Greens Launch Election Manifesto
The Green Party of England and Wales today launched its General Election manifesto with the pledged 'fair is worth fighting for'. The manifesto was unveiled by Caroline Lucas, the Green Party leader who is standing in Brighton Pavilion on 6 May.
Greens Launch Election Manifesto
The Green Party of England and Wales today launched its General Election manifesto with the pledged 'fair is worth fighting for'. The manifesto was unveiled by Caroline Lucas, the Green Party leader who is standing in Brighton Pavilion on 6 May.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
