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11/01/2010
Lib Dems To Scrap Some Pledges
Pioneering policy proposals by the UK's third largest political party will be shelved in response to the ongoing recession, it has been confirmed.
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said his party would be dropping some radical promises, such as the scrapping of tuition fees and extending free childcare due to the current budget deficit.
In a pre-election speech, Mr Clegg is expected to day the era of "shopping lists" of spending pledges are over.
He said the Lib Dems had been the only party who had been honest with the electorate about what it is capable of doing.
Mr Clegg has sill resisted saying what his party would do in the event of a hung parliament.
He told the BBC: "A number of multi-billion pound policies that we have advocated in the past we can no longer afford."
Mr Clegg said it was "no longer possible" to offer free childcare to all 18-month-olds, and conceded scrapping tuition fees would have to take place over a longer timescale.
It would be stretched over a six-year period.
"We will do it year group by year group starting first with final year students and working down over time."
He said the party's approach showed it was treating people "like grown ups", offering "credibility and hope".
Mr Clegg claimed Prime Minister Gordon Brown was in "utter denial" about tackling the economic crisis, while he criticised David Cameron for stating he would outline his action plan "50 days" after entering Downing Street.
The Lib Dems have proposed "a complete change in the tax system", despite Mr Clegg insisting he could not "predict the future". He said the UK needed to be "weaned off" its "fascination" with city trading.
(PR/BMcc)
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said his party would be dropping some radical promises, such as the scrapping of tuition fees and extending free childcare due to the current budget deficit.
In a pre-election speech, Mr Clegg is expected to day the era of "shopping lists" of spending pledges are over.
He said the Lib Dems had been the only party who had been honest with the electorate about what it is capable of doing.
Mr Clegg has sill resisted saying what his party would do in the event of a hung parliament.
He told the BBC: "A number of multi-billion pound policies that we have advocated in the past we can no longer afford."
Mr Clegg said it was "no longer possible" to offer free childcare to all 18-month-olds, and conceded scrapping tuition fees would have to take place over a longer timescale.
It would be stretched over a six-year period.
"We will do it year group by year group starting first with final year students and working down over time."
He said the party's approach showed it was treating people "like grown ups", offering "credibility and hope".
Mr Clegg claimed Prime Minister Gordon Brown was in "utter denial" about tackling the economic crisis, while he criticised David Cameron for stating he would outline his action plan "50 days" after entering Downing Street.
The Lib Dems have proposed "a complete change in the tax system", despite Mr Clegg insisting he could not "predict the future". He said the UK needed to be "weaned off" its "fascination" with city trading.
(PR/BMcc)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
