Lib Dems Launch Campaign For Women's Votes

11.33.09am GMT Sun 6th Mar 2005

Charles Kennedy MP, Liberal Democrat Leader, this week launched his Party's manifesto for women. Amongst the proposals are plans to introduce a fairer Citizen's Pension, a Maternity Income Guarantee, and free long-term care for the elderly, helping both those in need and their carers.

Women's votes are set to play a key role at the General Election. Women are consistently more likely to vote than men, and are also more likely to use their vote tactically.

Mr Kennedy said:

"There are areas of public policy which disadvantage women. Perhaps the most glaring of these is pensions. 2 million pensioners in Britain currently live below the Government's own poverty line - two-thirds of whom are women.

"Pensions are currently calculated on the basis of how many years you have worked. Years spent caring for children are currently ignored when women reach pensionable age. We propose a Citizen's Pension, based on residency not on contributions.

"Crime and worries about safety on our streets come at the top of women's concerns too. We would put 10,000 more police officers on the streets and keep them there longer by cutting down on unnecessary paperwork. We would strengthen anti-social behaviour measures so that they not only punish but also tackle the causes of bad behaviour."

Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Women, Sandra Gidley MP, added:

"Women make up nearly half the working population, but don't have the flexibility in the way they work to balance family commitments too.

"We would offer new mothers the option of receiving a Maternity Income Guarantee equivalent to the minimum wage of £170 per week for the 6 months after the birth of their first child."