CONFERENCE UPDATE: Liberal Democrat approve 'Make it Happen'

7.04.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Sep 2008

The Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth today approved 'Make it Happen', a document that lays out what the Liberal Democrats stand for, including commitments to tackle crime, protect the environment and to cut taxes for hard working families.

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

Commenting, local Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Kevin Lang said,

"I was proud to vote for the 'Make it Happen' document today. It sets out clearly what the Liberal Democrats stand for and what our priorities are in the months and years ahead.

"From the New Town to Newhaven and and from Pilton to Pilrig, no resident of Edinburgh North & Leith has escaped the rising cost of food and fuel. The credit crunch is biting hard and local people are feeling the pinch.

"This document sets out how we can help ordinary people through cutting taxes on those on low and middle incomes. Thousands of people in Edinburgh North & Leith would benefit from this.

"However, we also needs to make sure we invest in our schools and hospitals and give the police more resources to tackle crime. We can do this by stopping wasteful Government spending on things like identity cards, cumbersome IT projects and cutting down on bureaucratic Government departments. Money from these savings can be directed to our priorities like a better state pension, more police and investment in green renewable energy."