Our bold manifesto will deliver the change you’ve been crying out for – it’s time the UK worked for everyone

Last night, I was proud to launch our Liberal Democrat manifesto. I’m willing to bet you will not find a manifesto during this election that is more clear, upfront and straightforward about what a party would do in government and how they would pay for it.

It’s all right there on the cover – stop Brexit. Build a brighter future.

The Liberal Democrats have an ambitious plan for the future of our country, where every person, every community and our planet can thrive.

We all know that no matter how Labour and the Conservatives try to distract us in this election, the biggest issue for the next parliament from day one will be what to do about Brexit. Liberal Democrats are clear – we are fighting unashamedly to stay in the European Union, and we are the strongest party of Remain.

Quick Brexit, no-deal Brexit, jobs-first Brexit, red white and blue Brexit – we know that any form of Brexit will damage our economy, put jobs at risk, hurt our NHS and put our family of nations under enormous strain. There is simply no Brexit deal that will ever be as good as the deal we currently have as members of the European Union.

Our determination to stop Brexit isn’t just about retaining membership of this or that EU institution. It’s about who we are as a country and the values that drive our choices. It’s about recognising that no matter what century the Conservatives want to harken back to, we live in a world where our future prosperity, our lives, our jobs, our loved ones are closer to our European allies than ever.

We already know, thanks to the Institute for Fiscal Studies and CitiBank, that stopping Brexit would be best for our economy. We would end up with £50bn more for the government to spend by 2025 than if we continue to pursue this devastating obsession. Liberal Democrats believe that money is owed to our public services – investing in our schools, and on tackling in-work poverty and inequality.

There’s no question that for too many people, things in this country aren’t working as they should be. Working hard and playing by the rules no longer guarantee secure housing, a good job, education and healthcare fit for our children and our parents. Any party vying for government this December needs to be pushed to lay out their plans to build a country and society that we all deserve.

It means having a bold plan to tackle the climate emergency – that’s why Liberal Democrats will build on our record of green energy and generate 80 per cent of our electricity from renewables from 2030.

It means having a solid plan to give every child the best start in life, no matter their ability or background – hence our plan to recruit 20,000 more teachers as part of an emergency cash injection of £10bn a year for schools.

It means properly funding our NHS and not just pulling money out of thin air and hoping for the best – so we’re proposing a penny on the pound in income tax to be earmarked for the NHS and social care, giving them the investment they need to survive and flourish.

And it means supporting new parents to make the best decisions for themselves and their families about whether or when to go back to work – which is why the Liberal Democrats are the only party to have a plan to provide free childcare from 9 months.

My plan, the Liberal Democrats’ plan for this election – for government – is all there on the front of our manifesto. Stopping Brexit and building a brighter future. It’s clear and unequivocal – and, I think, a real vote-winner.

We have an ambitious vision for what the UK can be – a society where every child and young person is nurtured to become whoever they want to be, where if you play your part in society, you can live a happy and fulfilling life, and where we do everything in our power to save our planet for future generations. If you support that, there’s a clear choice for you on 12 December.

Jo Swinson is leader of the Liberal Democrats

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