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The Lib Dem Stance on 14 Key Issues |
14 Key issues and the Liberal Democrat view point.
ASYLUM/ IMMIGRATION
Back common EU asylum policy with fair sharing of asylum settlement; allow asylum seekers to work so don't rely on benefits; quota for immigrant workers from outside EU.
HEALTH
£8bn more on health; reduce diagnostic waiting lists for tests ; free long term care for elderly; free eye tests, drugs for long-term illnesses; ban smoking in public places
CRIME
10,000 extra police; tackle drug dealers rather than cannabis users; out-of-hours school courses against yob culture; local communities decide sentences for low level criminals.
EDUCATION
Cut class sizes for youngest children; ensure all children are taught by a qualified teacher in each subject; abolish "unnecessary tests"; scrap university fees.
WAR ON TERROR/IRAQ
Opposed Iraq war and demand Blair reveal when he promised to commit UK forces; would start phased withdrawal of troops after Iraqi polls; want judges to imprison terror suspects.
PENSIONS
Boost basic state pension by £100+ a month and restore pensions-earnings link for over-75s; link pension to residency not national insurance payments; free long-term personal care.
TAX / ECONOMY
Replace council tax with a local income tax; new 50% tax rate on earnings over £100,000 a year; raise stamp duty threshold to £150,000 to help first-time buyers.
EUROPE
Would work towards the right conditions for joining the euro and then call referendum; back EU constitution, saying it will make clear the limits on Brussels powers.
FAMILIES
Maternity pay of £170 per week for first 6 months; create Early Years Centre for pre-school education; no presumption in favour of mothers in child custody cases.
ENVIRONMENT
60% CO2 reduction target for 2050 and new global targets based on allocation by country; 20% renewable electricity by 2020; 60% household waste recycled in 7 years
TRANSPORT
Replace fuel tax/VED with national road user charging; congestion charging; shift spending from roads to public transport; free off-peak local bus travel for pensioners/disabled.
RURAL AFFAIRS
OFT check on farmers' prices; more reform of CFP and CAP; no GM crops without strict controls; more affordable shared ownership homes.
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Referendum on electoral reform; extend vote to 16 year-olds; make House of Lords elected chamber; PR for local elections; more powers for Welsh, NI Assembly; written Constitution.
EQUALITY / RIGHTS
A single, simple equality act; action on age discrimination; key role in 1998 Human Rights Act; want UK Bill of Rights and written constitution.
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