In Government, Lib Dems have put the Economy back on the path to good health after the car crash left by Labour. But we must now move forward to build an even stronger economy. I have therefore backed plans announced by Nick Clegg and Vince Cable to make the UK Economy the strongest in the EU within 20 years.
The plans include 5 key parts:
1. Taking a long term view – 10 year partnerships with industry and banning takeovers that are not in the national interest;
2. Finance for growth – expand the British Business Bank and the Green Investment Bank to ensure capital goes into businesses and infrastructure; extend the Regional Investment Fund to help businesses grow;
3. Skills – create 4 million more apprenticeships in the next Parliament and set up National Colleges to address specific skill shortages;
4. Innovation – protect the science budget and double public funding of technology innovation to £1 billion.
5. Openness – remain in the EU, manage migration of high skilled workers needed in the economy, change visa arrangements so that highly skilled migrants who are making a positive contribution to the economy aren’t required to leave the UK for 12 months at the end of their visa, recognise the huge export value of our higher eduction.
Liberal Democrats believe that our Economy can be the biggest and the best in Europe. We need to take a long term view.
In Government we have addressed some skill shortages through creating 2 million apprenticeships. In the next Parliament we want to double that number. We will ensure businesses are able to get access to capital for investment and science is supported. With the Conservatives drifting towards the EU exit door, Lib Dems will battle to stay in during any referendum.
Lib Dems have steered the Economy through the recovery phase. Now we ask for your vote so that we can take the Economy to new heights.