Fair Green Future –

Welsh Lib Dems launch programme for government

Release/Rhyddhau: 05/04/07

Contact/Cyswllt: Mick Bates
029 2089 8342/ 01686 625527/ mick.bates@wales.gov.uk 

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly leader Mike German officially launched the party's election campaign this week.

Mike German said: "In this election the people of Wales have a clear choice between parties. If they want a fair green future, then they have to vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats."

The Welsh Liberal Democrats today launched their manifesto for the Welsh General Election, setting out proposals for a fair, green future for all the people of Wales.

The 120 page bilingual document is the most radical and ambitious manifesto ever published by the party. At the heart of the programme for government are proposals for a better learning environment, to deliver healthcare when it’s needed and to make the green switch for Wales.

Making full use of the Assembly’s new powers, the fully costed manifesto sets out plans to give carers’ more rights, introduce healthier school meals and deliver affordable housing.

The manifesto was launched at the Wales Millennium Centre, before UK party leader Ming Campbell joined the campaign trail in Ceredigion with Mike German and John Davies in the afternoon.

Mike German, leader of the party in the National Assembly, said:

“The values of a fair and green future are the foundations for this manifesto. We are the only party that has grasped the opportunity of the new powers – to make the Assembly work for the people of Wales.

“The lack of affordable housing and poor quality stock in Wales is a modern injustice. That is why we will deliver extra investment worth £150million for social housing, providing over £500m for social housing over the next Assembly term. We will also ensure that housing associations have the freedom to make that money stretch further and that land is identified for affordable housing.

“We will deliver the investment needed to reduce class sizes, to improve access to dentists and to make public transport more responsive to passengers’ needs.

“Over the last four years this Assembly Government has let Wales down. They’ve run out of ideas and have run out of steam. Contrast that with this manifesto: full of new ideas, innovative ways to use our new powers, policies to tackle poverty, social exclusion and injustice.

“We stand for a future that is fair for all – free from poverty, free from unnecessary government meddling, free from discrimination.

“A future that is green – no new nuclear power, energy efficient buildings, more recycling.

“A party for the future, with the ideas, experience and energy to serve Wales. Wales deserves better. Wales deserves a fair, green future.”

Jenny Willott MP, chair of the election campaign, said:

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are a party that looks forward to the future. That believes in giving everyone, especially our young people, the opportunities to reach their potential.

“We understand that in government there are no free things. Everything has to be paid for. That is why this manifesto is fully costed – we’re the only party that does this at every election.

“This manifesto concentrates on what is needed to raise the standard in Wales. Delivering healthcare when and where it is needed, a better learning environment and making the green switch for Wales.

“Our candidates and their teams are delivering our promise of a fair, green future to homes right across the country. Where we campaign hard, we win. Ceredigion and Cardiff Central in 2005 proved that.

“Our experience of government in the Assembly and in leading major councils across Wales means that we know what it takes to put positive policies into action. Wales has the potential for a great future.  We want to give communities, families and individuals the power and tools to make that better future a reality.”