Lib Dems: Claiming to be "the real alternative"

Charles Kennedy has unveiled his election manifesto, claiming the Liberal Democrats are "the real alternative" to Labour.

Following the birth of his son, the Lib Dem leader returned to the campaign trail on Thursday with a "positive and pro-active" agenda for government.

Highlighting his plans to replace council tax through the introduction of a local income tax, Kennedy said 15 million people would pay less under a Lib Dem government.

The party claims the typical family would be £450 a year better off - although both Labour and the Conservatives question the plans.

Other commitments include 10,000 more police officers and an extra £100 a month pension for the over-75s.

The elderly will also receive free personal long-term care under a Lib Dem government.

Speaking in London, Kennedy said the proposals offered the most "socially progressive" agenda on offer at the forthcoming election.

As the Lib Dems seek to capitalise on the Iraq war, Kennedy called for a "proper exit strategy through the phased withdrawal" of the 8,000 British troops still stationed in the region.

"Over the course of the last parliament, the Liberal Democrats have been the real opposition - over issues like Iraq, student top-up fees, the council tax and compulsory ID cards - while the Conservatives have either lined up with Labour or flip-flopped," said Kennedy.

"Our manifesto sets out a vision of a Britain with quality local public services - good schools and good hospitals, a strong stable economy, a Britain that celebrates diversity and provides the opportunities for each individual to make the best of their talents.

"A greener Britain that lives up to its responsibilities to future generations - cleaner energy and less pollution."

Key pledges

The blueprint takes the form of a compact sized newspaper offering 16,000 words of pledges and commentary on the state of the nation under Labour.

The party is campaigning on three key policy issues, which it believes will help it to win the seats needed to make a big step forward on May 5.

Plans to scrap tuition fees will, the Lib Dems argue, encourage more students from poorer backgrounds to enter higher education.

But the policy is also designed to appeal to 'Middle England', and boost the chances of Lib Dem candidates fighting for constituencies currently held by the Conservatives.

Similarly, the pledge to introduce free personal care for the elderly is also likely to appeal most to older voters who, polls and experience suggest, will be more likely to turn out and vote.

The commitment to scrap the council tax, replacing it with a new local income tax system, comes amid a growing backlash over the levy.

As bills from local councils have risen over recent years, the party hopes that this commitment will go down well on doorsteps across the country.

More plans

On law and order, the party says it will put 10,000 more police officers on the street than Labour is planning.

This would be paid for by scrapping the government's plans to introduce identity cards, though Labour disputes whether there are any savings that could be made here as much of the new technology is required in any event for new biometric passports.

The Lib Dem health policy includes a commitment to personal 'health MOTs', leading to a greater emphasis on prevention rather than cure.

Environmental policies are also set to feature highly, with the party saying all its policies will have a "green backbone running through them".

On transport, there would be taxes to encourage the use of less-polluting cars and free off-peak bus travel for all pensioners and disabled people.

Iraq factor

In foreign affairs the party hopes to make much of its opposition to the Iraq war.

This could help it win seats in many traditional Labour seats, especially where there is a high proportion of Muslim voters.

Tapping into the anti-war sentiment in Labour's heartlands, Kennedy saved his strongest words for the issue.

"I reject a foreign policy placed on 'my ally right or wrong'. And we say that war should always be a last resort," he said.

"Many people will remember the principles and consistent Liberal Democrat opposition to the war in Iraq - representing the views of millions of our fellow citizens.

"Many people will remember that the Conservatives lined up with Tony Blair and George Bush."

On Europe, the party has in the past come under fire for playing down its traditional pro-EU stance at election time.

The Lib Dems are backing the new European constitution and also favour British membership of the euro. Commentators will be examining how much prominence the party gives to these commitments.