With 22 days until the election the Liberal Democrats have launched their manifesto promising to act as a “rock of stability” in a coalition government.
Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg, was keen to put education at the forefront of the manifesto, pledging to raise the budget for anyone in education – aged two to 19.
He said the party would support young people “from cradle to college”, by increasing the education budget to £55 billion by 2020, £5 billion more than the Tories promised, and a further £2.5 billion more than Labour.
The budget, which covers colleges, schools and nurseries, would be maintained until the deficit is eliminated in 2017/2018, leading to a reduction in funding per-pupil.
“The manifesto has one simple ambition and word at its heart: opportunity,” he said.
“We need to make sure we support the education system in the next parliament to give every boy and girl the chance to thrive.”
As the election is fast approaching with neither the Conservatives or Labour striding ahead in the polls, he urged voters to consider who they would like to see stand beside David Cameron or Ed Miliband.
Mr Clegg warned of the danger of a “coalition of grievance” if UKIP or the Scottish National Party were to be involved.
Other Lib Dem policies featured in the manifesto include an £8 billion increase in annual NHS spending and mental health parity, balancing the budget by 2017/2018, an income tax allowance of £12,500 and five green measure.
The party leader said the manifesto had “near religious status”.
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