Local welcome for Liberal Democrat vision for Britain

2.18.01pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 26th Sep 2008

Liberal Democrats in Wiltshire have welcomed the launch of the Liberal Democrats' vision for Britain by Party Leader Nick Clegg MP. Called 'Make it Happen', the paper will be debated at the party's conference in Bournemouth in September.

In 'Make it Happen' the Liberal Democrats say:

• They will cut taxes for ordinary families

• If your local hospital can't see you on time, they will pay for treatment elsewhere

• They will switch taxes from people to pollution - so it pays to go green

• To improve standards in education, they will fund extra help for those who need it most

• They will put Britain at the heart of Europe to make us a force for good in the world

• They will stop ID cards so we can keep control of our privacy

• They will change the voting system so everyone's voice counts

• They will bring communities together with local people in charge

• They will give communities a say in how offenders pay for their crimes

Duncan Hames, Prospective Lib Dem MP for the new Chippenham Constituency said:

"When times are tough, everyone has to tighten their belt - including the tax man. That means making tough choices about public spending programmes: ID cards, nuclear subsidy, the baby bonds, and others - not just counting paperclips or rearranging office furniture.

"Many of my constituents are simply trying to get by: pensioners, young adults, and ordinary working families. They tell me they are finding it hard to balance their budget.

"Labour used to stand for the ordinary man and woman. Their government is now falling apart. Labour can't help you. We know the Tories won't help you. They put tax cuts for the rich first.

"We should make Britain a fairer place. We can start with making tax fair. Ordinary people want their government to give them a break. The Liberal Democrats must make it happen."