United Labour talks education

Last updated at 11:17 11 April 2005


Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have unveiled Labour's plans for the economy and education if the party succeeds in claiming a historic third term in government.

At a Press briefing in London, the two men published the sections on the economy and education from Labour's election manifesto, which will be published in full on Wednesday.

In addition, they unveiled a pledge card on the economy, featuring six undertakings which will form the basis of the party's economic strategy.

The pledge card promised:

• Maintaining a symmetrical inflation target at 2 per cent, with mortgage rates to be as low as possible and economic stability a principal objective;

• One million more homeowners by 2010 with more help for first-time buyers;

• One million more people to be helped by the New Deal. As more people are moved from welfare to work, savings on unemployment benefits will be invested in education;

• There will be 300,000 apprenticeships, extending the New Deal to develop the workforce's skills and raise the quantity and quality of vocational education.

• The minimum wage to rise to £5.35 with continued increases in the Child and Working Tax Credits, with the aim of reinforcing the message that work should pay;

• Education spending to rise to £5,500 per pupil by 2008 - double the 1997 figure.

The pledge card, which features a picture of Mr Blair and Mr Brown standing side by side, carries the slogan: "Our pledge to deliver rising prosperity for you and your family."

At the Press conference, the Chancellor, Mr Brown, said: "Today we set out our manifesto on the economy and the vital importance of education to it for the coming Parliament."