Liberal Democrats launch 10 positive proposals for Britain

4.38.00pm GMT Mon 21st Mar 2005

The Liberal Democrats today launched 10 positive proposals that will form the centrepiece of their General Election campaign.

Highlighting the plan, Party Leader Charles Kennedy said, in contrast to the other parties, the Lib Dems are not merely listing what they oppose, but are publishing specific positive 'real alternatives' to Labour and the Conservatives.

These include promises to scrap university tuition fees, to provide free personal care for the elderly and to replace council tax with a local income tax.

Mr Kennedy said "We are promoting positive policies for Britain. It is a different approach from that of the other parties. I am determined that we will fight a campaign which concentrates on real solutions to the real problems that people face in Britain everyday."

Sir Menzies Campbell, Deputy Leader and Shadow Foreign Secretary said "We are promoting positive policies for Britain. Public trust in government matters. The British people are entitled to expect integrity and competence in government - which the Iraq war has put in doubt. The Liberal Democrats would restore trust, transparency and accountability to British politics.

Local Lib Dem spokesman, Cllr Duncan Hames, welcomed the positive stance of the campaign:

"I am looking forward to taking these proposals to local people here in West Wiltshire and Mere. How refreshing it will be to discuss a real alternative with people while Labour and the Conservatives bicker over the failures in each other's past records." said Cllr Hames.