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Robinson and Clegg put fairness at the heart of the Liberal Democrat manifesto
January 11, 2010 9:49 PM
Originally published by UK Liberal Democrats
Originally published by UK Liberal Democrats
Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson welcomes Nick Clegg to the town
Fairness is the value that connects everything the Liberal Democrats want to achieve and will be at the heart of the Party's election manifesto, according to Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, speaking today. Chelmsford campaigner Stephen Robinson (aiming to become the local MP) explained that the Lib Dems have four priorities for a fairer Britain: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics; and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.
Stephen Robinson added, "People in Chelmsford have been let down by their politicians and are crying out for REAL change. The Liberal Democrats have consistently been crystal clear in their manifestos about what can and cannot be afforded. This one will be no different. A manifesto that is short, direct and to the point will set a clear direction.
FAIR TAX - tax cut for low and middle incomes, paid for by the super rich
Specifically: raise the personal allowance from £6.5k to £10k. That's 3.5 million people out of tax altogether, and a tax cut of £700 a year for everyone else on middle and low incomes.
Paid for by closing loopholes for the richest (e.g. Capital Gains are taxed lower than income) and introducing a 1% tax on mansions worth over £2 million.
FAIR START FOR ALL CHILDREN - because educational success is the key to a successful Britain
Specifically: An extra £2.5 billion for schools to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition. The tax rise on the super-rich pays for this too.
GREEN JOBS IN A FAIRER ECONOMY
Specifically: invest in high speed rail, renewable energy and home insulation. It creates jobs and does something about climate change. In the early years, paid for by taxes on pollution. This starts saving money later on.
We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure Chelmsford businesses can find the money they need to grow.
FAIR, CLEAN POLITICS
"We will: give you the right to sack your MP if he/she is corrupt; flush out big money and shady donors; reduce the number of MPs by 150; give power over the police and NHS to local communities; and change the voting system to abolish safe seats.
These are changes that would upend our political establishment. Neither Labour or the Conservatives will ever offer change on this scale - they will defend the status quo to the last. Only the Liberal Democrats offer the chance for a different politics. Another whitewash is unacceptable, we need permanent change to make politics clean, fair and local.
"The coming months are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change for Chelmsford."
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The speech from Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg:
"David Cameron and Gordon Brown are playing the politics of the airbrush and the focus group. One doesn't know what he believes. The other doesn't know what to do with the power he clings to so desperately.
"I believe the country wants something different. The Liberal Democrats are different. We offer credibility where it's needed. And hope for our common future."
Read the rest of Nick Clegg's speech here: http://is.gd/65J6c
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