Michael Howard has mounted a strong attack on Labour "lies".

Speaking to party members in Hastings, the Conservative leader said voters should "take a stand" against Tony Blair.

A day after the prime minister launched a fierce attack on the Tory approach to asylum, Howard hit back saying he would not apologise for promising firm action.

And he delivered one of his strongest attacks yet on Blair.

"Tony Blair's lost the plot; he's talked a lot and failed to deliver; he's told lies to win elections," said Howard.

"And he's only taken a stand on one thing in the last eight years - taking Britain to war. And he couldn't even tell the truth about that.

"Well, I don't believe in saying one thing but doing another. With me, what you see is what you get."

Howard said he was not concerned with the opinions of "do-gooders".

"I think we've been too soft on crime for too long," he said.

"We've been too lax about immigration for too long.

"We've turned a blind eye to the lack of discipline at school for too long.

"I want the chance to act on these issues."

And the Conservative leader urged voters to ensure they cast their ballots on polling day.

"To cast a vote is to take a stand. It's your duty to take a stand," he said.

"How else do you think Mr Blair and his wishy-washy, pussyfooting government are going to get the message? We've all had enough, and now we want action.

"Be true to yourself. Be true to our country.

"On May 5 take a stand on the things that matter. On May 5 take a stand for change. On May 5 take a stand and vote Conservative."