Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Yours,
George
Brent
Forward Together
On Health
Give incentives to GPs who see their Reduce wait times for Accident and
patients within three days if requested. Emergency, GPs, and other areas as
well as surgery.
Sincerely,
Paul Friar
Forward Together
On The Economy
Sir Thomas Mitchell, Chancellor of the Exchequer
Dear Voter, Labour has meant low inflation. Not in 30 years
have inflation rates remained this consistently
In only four years, the British economy has low. Between 1979 and 1997 inflation averaged
undergone a marvelous transformation. The 6.2 per cent. Now, inflation remains below 3%
days of economic uncertainty, of budgetary and is set to fall even further to the
indecision, and general chaos are over. Under a government's target of 2.5%. This has again
Labour government, the British people have been a product of our stable fiscal policy,
seen tangible benefits in every budget. They which we pledge to continue. When prices are
have seen improvements to their services. They as predictable as the economy, everyone
have seen an improving economy. They have benefits.
seen all that they wished our government
would deliver. We set out an ambitious vision, Labour has meant low interest rates. Interest
and we are well on the road to realising it. rates from 1979 averaged 10 per cent. Falling
inflationary pressures have allowed the newly
Labour has meant more jobs. From a independent Bank of England to lower rates in
frightening high of three million unemployed a stable, effective fashion. No longer have
under the previous government, the number of interest rates been a tool of policy that
Britons without work has fallen to less than half jeopardize economic stability. Instead, after
that. Unemployment is now at its lowest level this government made the Bank independent
since 1975. There are more people in work than despite opposition objections, long-term
ever before. We promised jobs, and we interest rates fell to their most consistent low
delivered jobs. for 35 years. Since 1997 short-term rates have
averaged 6 per cent, and remained stable over
Labour has meant stable, robust economic
the past year, the longest period of consistently
growth. The era of boom and bust is over. The
low interest rates since the 1960s. Mortgages
economy has remained at manageable and
now average £1,200 a year lower than under
strong levels during the four years of this
the previous government, and we are delighted
government. Improvised economic policy will
with this achievement. If re-elected, we will
not replace the terrific stewardship that Labour
build on it.
have had over the British economy. No longer
will we see growth rates hitting double digits Labour, clearly, has meant measurable and
and then recession immediately afterwards. It visible progress in all the areas of the economy.
will be a better British economy for all when it We have established a track record of economic
is predictable, and it is stable. We pledge to competence that has eluded previous
continue this. governments. And we intend to continue this
track record to still lower unemployment, still We will introduce a new tax bracket for
lower interest rates, and continuing stability in the lowest tax-eligible income earners,
the British economy. to reduce their tax burden, and a new
bracket for the highest earners, to
Yet, this is not the sole fashion in which we will
ensure they contribute their fair share
continue to allow fine economic stewardship to
benefit the British people. The Grand Bargain is
one of the most ambitious programs in years to
truly balance a desire to assist those in poverty We will pledge that Corporate Taxation
with ever higher investment in our public will continue to decline under our
services. government, to stimulate further job
growth
Our track record on the nation's #1 concern is
already stellar - in just the last budget, the
government hired more nurses than had been
hired in the past 8 years. We fixed the nursing We will cut indirect taxes in real terms
shortage. We fixed the doctor's shortage. We such as wine and spirit duties and road
have committed ourselves to the construction taxes
of new hospitals. All of these will combine to
bring waiting lists down, and benefit everyone
who uses the NHS.
We will continue to refund Fuel Tax to
The Grand Bargain will allow us to build on rural drivers and commercial drivers,
this. A slightly higher contribution from those and increase these rebates to create
most able to pay will allow for a bevy of new real decreases in Fuel Tax paid by them
initiatives.
We will cut the Value Added Tax by 1% We will index all benefits to inflation
in our first year of re-election, and by a
subsequent 1% by the end of our term
Sincerely,
Thomas Mitchell
Forward Together
On Law & Order
Prisons
Develop late-sitting, seven-day-a-week Just like our Criminal Justice system needs
courts in areas with high crime levels. reform, so to do our prisons. We acknowledge
that the problem of overcrowding exists within
our prison system and we’re committed to
taking both a short and long term approach
Allow evidence to be introduced in towards solving it. We also plan to tackle the
Courts of past convictions, when
problems that exist within the prison system,
relevant to a case.
such as drug misuse as well as increasing the
role of adult education courses, so as to
encourage rehabilitation and cut re-offending.
Increase the term of imprisonment a With these aims in mind a Labour Government
Magistrate can sentence someone to, to would:
two years.
Introduce a “three strikes and you’re Examine the powers of Her Majesty’s
out” policy with regards to those
Inspectorate of Prisons and see whether
convicted of violent and sexual
additional powers are needed.
offences.
Devolve some taxation powers from British cities and regions have for the past forty
central to local governments to help years seen their responsibilities and resources
finance capital infrastructure projects; been drained away to central Government. This
programme will return responsibility and power
to local governments while ensuring that
Strengthen the decision-making powers Westminster acts as a co-ordinator and
of Local Councils; facilitator to reduce the potential for lack of
expertise or divergent strategies impeding on
improving investment and standard of living in
Help in 'agglomeration' of regional these areas.
cities and metropolis' by directing
investment into areas to build up
concentrated industries to enjoy the Transport
economies of scale that such a
geographical concentration of Public and private transport in Britain is in
desperate need of massive long-term
investment to improve productivity and make greater utilisation of population density.
improve standards of living. If re-elected, a
Labour Government will: Therefore, our transport programme combines
a focus on investment in public transport to
improve our environment, improve our cities
Explore and begin construction of and improve our economy.
"Crossrail". This massive investment will
link London to south-east England
through a new rail system. It will
Environment
reduce travelling times for commuters,
Tackling climate change requires action on
reduce the numbers of cars on the road
behalf of government and society. If re-elected
and improve housing prices in the
a Labour Government will:
affected areas;
Forward Together
On Employment
Bill Paisley, Secretary For Trade, Industry & Employment
Dear Voter we promise you that we will not rest on
our laurels.
We in the Labour Party have the best
interests of you and the country at We have a full and exciting program
heart. We are passionately committed that will seek to reform our trading and
to making this country a fairer and working practices to make our economy
more equal place to live. We believe more efficient, more productive but
this not due to dogma or out of date above all fairer. These reforms will
prejudices but because we believe that centre on employment rights, trade
this is the morally right thing to do. We union reform and the creation of the
remember the hurt and division of the Office of Just and Responsible Trading.
1970s and 1980s; we remember three
million unemployed through the 1980s,
we remember the communities
destroyed by heartless neo-liberal Employment Rights
policies, we remember families divided
with brother set against brother and we As a matter of urgency we will bring
remember how British industry was back to Parliament the Employment Bill
destroyed. that was in division when this election
was called. This Bill is a radical and
Above all though, we remember our progressive measure that creates a
promise to you in 1997. We promised maximum regular working week of
that we would not retreat into easy thirty-eight hours, regulates overtime
choices or old answers. We promised to protect against abuse and ensure
not to turn the clock back to the 1970s that all those who work overtime are
but to work to move this country properly paid and gives all our workers
forward, to make it fit for the 21st four weeks paid holiday.
century by marrying economic
competence with social and moral It also creates six extra bank holidays
responsibility. We have achieved much to give people the time off work to
towards this goal over the past four properly celebrate the contribution
years, with this country’s first ever that our Queen makes to this country
national minimum wage introduced, and that women make to the entire
increased maternity and paternity world, to properly and sombrely
leave and we have given trade unions a remembering the sacrifices that our
larger stake in our national life. forefathers and foremothers made in
However, there is still much to do and the two world wars and to come
together as a nation and to celebrate produce the reports that we need to
the contribution that we as Scotsmen, properly tackle this most important
Englishmen or Welshmen make to challenge.
Britain and British culture.
Building on the trade union reform bill The Office of Just and Responsible
we will look to make further reforms Trading
with reference to better allow trade
unions to represent their members The Office of Fair Trading is a vital part
whatever the organisation of the of the Government machinery that
companies they work for. effectively regulated business top
ensure that no companies break
competition laws. We wish to create a
similar organisation to ensure that
Royal Commission on the Distribution of businesses are not being irresponsible
Wealth, Income and Opportunity or unfair in their trading. This Office
shall have jurisdiction over such issues
Social Mobility and Equality has been as whether companies are illegally
falling since the 1970s and tackling this distorting the employment
is a most pressing concern of the opportunities of their workers, whether
Labour Party. We will call a Standing they are endangering the health and
Royal Commission on the Distribution of wellbeing of our people, with a
Wealth, Income and Opportunity that particular emphasis on the wellbeing of
will work to collect the information and our children and whether they are
endangering the environment.
Closing Remarks
Forward Together
On The World Stage
We used our influence to prevent further We have managed to remain influential in the
violence and bloodshed on the Indian- international community not by sheer luck, but
Bangladeshi border, and brought a settlement by the relationships we have forged around the
forward to demilitarise the border. As well as world. We are strong with Europe because we
this, we have worked hard to get Slobodan are strong with the US. We are strong with the
Milosevic to stand trial at the International US because we are strong with Europe. We are
Criminal Tribunal, get a roadmap for peace in a bridge between the two. There are some who
would want us to retreat from our challenges we face. We have immense
commitments and friendships in Europe to influence in the world, and we will use
isolate ourselves. This is simply not a choice on this influence to bring about changes
the table; it would be unwise and would do for the good of the world.
more harm than good.
Forward Together
On Agriculture
Michael Sterling, Secretary For Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, and Rural
Affairs
Dear Voter, Traditionally, Britain has been a nation with a
heavy reliance on agriculture in many different
ways. Even after the industrial revolution and disadvantage. In Labour, we agree strongly with
the exodus of a large portion of the population this and want to work with our EU partners to
from farms in the countryside to factories in negotiate a new, more just system of subsidies
the cities, it is still the case that our national within CAP and a better position the UK fishing
economy could not survive without a strong industry within the CFP. A second term Labour
agricultural sector. Whether you live in a huge government would make reform of these
city or the open countryside, we all benefit policies a priority in both our agricultural
when our farms and fisheries thrive. It is also agenda and our foreign policy agenda.
important that everyone recognise the unique
challenges and situations faced by rural It is also EU legislation which regulates the
communities. Any responsible government must development and use of genetically modified
ensure that people who live in the countryside crops in this country. This has been an area of
are not neglected and that their needs are immense controversy, and Labour recognises
met. the entirely valid arguments on both sides of
this long-running debate. We do, however, hope
Since 1997, the government has been proving that in the near future – and only when their
that Labour is the only party which can handle safety has been conclusively proved – a staged
Britain’s agricultural sector successfully. We and gradual deregulation of GM crops can take
have recognised the difficulties faced by place across the continent. In principle,
farmers and tackled these challenges at every genetic modification of crops is something to
level: regional, national and international. be welcomed and may, indeed, become
After the record snowfall in December, the necessary. At such a time when the admirable
government allocated £250 million for farmers principle of ensuring our food stocks do not run
who lost sheep, ensuring that sheep farming dry is coupled with decisive proof of safety and
stayed afloat and survived the crisis. The environmental sustainability, a Labour
countryside now faces a new threat in foot and government will not hesitate to press for
mouth disease. The government has taken all reform of EU regulations in this area.
action that is reasonably possible to bring the
virus under control, from closing footpaths to Labour, founded on the principles of socialism,
commissioning centres where animals carcasses trade unionism and collective bargaining, wants
can safely be incinerated. In the future, when to see workers of all kinds receiving a fair price
the agricultural sector faces such an immediate for their goods. Although we recognise that it is
threat, Labour believes there should be a the responsibility of suppliers and shops to
separate institution to react so as to ensure a negotiate prices, we also recognise that there
quick, efficient and effective response. is an epidemic of farmers receiving an unfairly
small price for their products: crops, livestock
In an age in which power has shifted to many and dairy products. A second-term Labour
different levels and away from Westminster government would legislate to ensure farmers
government, the European Union holds receive a fair price for what they provide to
substantial power in the area of agriculture. shops through the Office of Fair Trading.
Labour respects the role the EU plays in
boosting our national economy, but also A major Labour achievement has been the
recognises that there are unacceptable creation of the Food Standards Agency, which
discrepancies in the way subsidies are works to improve the quality and safety of our
distributed. A consensus has emerged that both food. In a second-term, the government would
the Common Agricultural Policy and the utilise the FSA to observe closely the quality of
Common Fisheries Policy are unfair and put foodstuffs imported from abroad. Imports are
British farmers and fishers at a serious extremely important; there are several
agricultural products for which there is a large A highly controversial subject in rural Britain
market in the UK but given the climate are not has been the question of the morality and legal
grown in large numbers. These must then be position of fox hunting and hunting of other
brought in from elsewhere in the world. It is animals. A second-term Labour government
important, however, that the quality of these would carry out a full consultation and
products are regulated and controlled. In examination of the impact of banning this
Labour, we believe that the FSA should put a practice in different areas. Our decision on
focus on this and will propose legislation to whether to legislate to ban fox hunting would
make this a priority. be based on the outcome of this process.
On the subject of rural life, Labour has been Labour values the countryside as much as any
working tirelessly to make appropriate reforms other area in the UK. We want to support
and beneficial action. The Chancellor has entirely the agricultural sector which is
abolished the Fuel Price Escalator for rural absolutely essential to the national economy
areas: to relieve the rural population of this tax and take action wherever possible to make life
which made transport difficult. We also easier for those in the countryside. We are the
introduced the CountryBus scheme, which only party willing to step forward and meet the
allows businesses to receive a vehicle for use challenges a new millennium poses to rural and
by their employees, where a lack of public agricultural Britain.
transport makes commuting to work difficult. A
second-term Labour government would commit Yours,
entirely to the continued funding of the
CountryBus scheme and all programmes which
support rural transport.
Michael Sterling
Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries,
Food and Rural Affairs
Forward Together
On Culture, Media,
& Sport
Emily Royal, Secretary For Culture, Media & Sport
Dear Voters,
- Emily Royal
Forward Together
On Constitutional
Reform
Open Government
Royal Prerogatives
Alex Fraser
Forward Together In
Wales
Forward Together In
Northern Ireland
Sir Joseph Edwards. Secretary For Northern Ireland
Dear voter, On the police services, we support the current
policing system. We believe that the successful
It is hard to suggest that there has not been implementation of the recommendations of the
great change and progress in Northern Ireland Patten Report is one of the most important
over the last four years of Labour government. steps towards peace, and the recent
We've seen the Good Friday Agreement. We've establishment of the PSNI will prove extremely
seen the re-establishment of devolved rule beneficial to peace.
after over twenty years. We've seen a radical
overhaul of policing to make the system fair to Although we want to work with all
Catholics as well as Protestants. Our record is communities, there is one set of communities
strong. we cannot be soft or anything of the like on,
and those are the violent, militant communities
Yet, we concede this. The region is far from who would attempt to put forward their points
completely peaceful, and we acknowledge through brutality rather than through the ballot
that. With radical elements continuing to plot box. Although our ideal situation is that we can
to take innocent human life, and incidents such get such groups to lay down arms in favour of
as the attack in London, we have not reached democratic co-operation, we will be hard on
total peace yet. Yet, we continue to move the sort of terrorists who would kill innocents
forward to peace, and we want to ensure such for their cause. We will be tough on criminals.
a peace can come around.
Northern Ireland is better with Labour. Let's
With Labour in government, we will continue keep on the road of peace and progress.
the government's intended role; to serve as a
neutral hand of justice in Northern Ireland. We With regards,
believe that devolution is working, and is the Sir Joseph Edwards M.P.
only possible future for the region; we will Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
work to protect the independence of the
assembly, while ensuring that all sides work
together.
Forward Together
For Equality
As Minister for Women and Equality it is my job Raise the Child credit
to provide a safe and equal country for all
citizens. I feel it’s an honor in making and
creating better lives for the people of Britain.
Provide women with children fair
We pledge to:
access to Childcare Facilities
As a part of the Millennium Development Goals, With these policies, this department believes
my department is prepared to declare war on that we will be able to tackle the causes of
poverty in our world's most destitute corner. poverty in developing countries and create
We vow to be relentless in our pursuit to beacons of prosperity that will lit up these
reduce poverty and eliminate the causes of areas to a brighter future. With the world
poverty as much as we can. With that in mind, united in this cause, we believe we can, within
this department is prepared to: our lifetime, improve the world's most
destitute nations and areas for the better.
Investigate and promote more than Thank you for your support and together, we
ever the use of fair trade to ensure can do this and improve the world for the
that farmers in developing countries better.
will be able to get their share of
profits, and enable them to build upon
their successes and guard against crop -Ryan Kenneth Alexander
failures. Sec. of State for International Development