Chris Huhne Welcomes 10 Positive Reasons to Vote Lib Dem

11.10.08am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 22nd Mar 2005

Hampshire MEP Chris Huhne welcomed the Liberal Democrats' emphasis on ten positive reasons to vote for the party in the coming general election at the launch of a nationwide advertising campaign.

Mr Huhne, who will fight Eastleigh for the Liberal Democrats when MP David Chidgey retires at the general election, said that he was confident that people would warm to his party's agenda when it is set out so clearly and positively.

"When I meet voters on the doorstep, they are fed up to the back teeth with the back-biting of traditional politics from Labour and the Conservatives. It is time for a fresh approach that puts new thinking forward" said Mr Huhne.

The key Liberal Democrat points, which will appear in press and poster advertising from today, are as follows:

10 GOOD REASONS TO VOTE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT

WE OPPOSE: PUTTING TARGETS FIRST

WE PROPOSE: PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST

WE OPPOSE: TUITION FEES & TOP-UP FEES

WE PROPOSE: SCRAPPING STUDENT FEES

WE OPPOSE: COMPULSORY I.D. CARDS

WE PROPOSE: SPENDING THE MONEY ON 10,000 MORE POLICE

WE OPPOSE: SELLING YOUR HOME TO PAY FOR CARE

WE PROPOSE: FREE PERSONAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

WE OPPOSE: IGNORING CLIMATE CHANGE

WE PROPOSE: CLEANER TRANSPORT & CLEANER ENERGY

WE OPPOSE: £1.5 BILLION ON THE CHILD TRUST FUND

WE PROPOSE: £1.5 BILLION TOWARDS REDUCING CLASS SIZES

WE OPPOSE: MEANS-TESTING PENSIONERS

WE PROPOSE: £100 EXTRA PER MONTH STARTING WITH THE OVER 75s

WE OPPOSE: HIDDEN TAX INCREASES

WE PROPOSE: ONLY ONE TAX INCREASE - ON INCOME ABOVE £100,000 PER YEAR

WE OPPOSE: UNFAIR COUNCIL TAX

WE PROPOSE: LOCAL INCOME TAX, SAVING TYPICAL HOUSEHOLDS £450 PER YEAR

WE OPPOSE: BUSH & BLAIR ON IRAQ

WE PROPOSE: NEVER AGAIN

Mr Huhne, who is a member of the Liberal Democrats Treasury team as the economic spokesman in the European Parliament, said: "Our promises are credible, costed and affordable. We are straightforward about tax. We say no hidden tax rises. We propose one income tax increase. We will raise the top rate of tax for 1% of our richest citizens. A 50p rate on every pound earned over £100,000 will mean an end to student tuition fees, free personal care for the elderly and holding down local taxes.

"We will also spend Government money differently. We will switch £5bn a year of current Government spending onto our priorities. This means no compulsory ID cards, no ineffective baby bonds, fewer government departments. The benefits are better pensions, lower class sizes, lower NHS charges, and more police. It all adds up. The balance sheet is balanced" said Mr Huhne.