Lib Dem Priorities Best For Bedford & Kempston

9.21.42am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 17th Apr 2005

Parliamentary Candidate Michael Headley has launched his campaign on the priorities set out in the Lib Dem Manifesto unveiled this week.

Michael Headley said "I want the best for Bedford & Kempston and I passionately believe that the priorities we are putting forward will bring a positive future for all generations in our constituency. Our manifesto is based upon dignity for older people, real opportunity for our children and a fair deal for families".

Liberal Democrat priorities for the next parliament will be:

Ending unfairness in the NHS. That will mean free eye and dental checks and lower prescription charges, and an end to the hidden NHS waiting lists - with faster diagnosis so that, if you are ill, treatment can start quickly.

Free personal care for the elderly - help with things like washing and feeding for people with long-term illnesses.

Lower class sizes - with 21,000 new primary school teachers to give our children the best start in life.

An end to student tuition fees - because access to education should be based on the ability to learn - not on the ability to pay.

More police out on the beat - cutting crime and the fear of crime. 10,000 extra police backed up by 20,000 community support officers. Part of a strong package on law and order which is tough, focused and smart.

An end to the unfair Council Tax - because the amount you pay should be based on the amount you can afford.

Better pensions - £100 on the basic state pension for the over 75s, who are the poorest and most vulnerable of our pensioners. A Citizen's Pension for the over 75s will, for the first time, give women a full basic pension by right, addressing a scandal which has been ignored far too long.

ENDS

Printed, Published & Promoted by Christine McHugh on behalf Michael Headley (Liberal Democrat) all at 37 Kathie Rd, Bedford.