Lib Dems plan to return Britain to the EU
Sir Ed Davey yesterday unveiled his vision for Britain to rejoin the European Union as his party launched its manifesto.
The Liberal Democrat leader committed to rejoining the single market, which would result in the return of free movement, as one of four steps towards the ‘longer-term objective’ of EU membership.
A Lib Dem spokesman said: ‘Everyone knows the Liberal Democrats want to fix our broken relationship with Europe. As Ed said recently, it will take time before the Single Market is an option, it’s not on the table at this election.’
The proposal was among a host of radical plans – including cannabis shops on high streets, gender self-ID and a 500 per cent increase of council tax on second homes – in the 116-page manifesto.
The Liberal Democrat leader committed to rejoining the single market, which would result in the return of free movement
The Lib Dems said they would ‘regulate’ cannabis in order to tackle criminal gangs (stock photo)
To tackle criminal gangs and super-strength cannabis, the Lib Dems said they would introduce ‘a legal, regulated market’ for the class B drug with sales restricted to over-18s from licensed retailers.
The party would also reform the gender recognition process to remove the requirement for medical reports, recognise non-binary identities in law, and remove the spousal veto – which requires married applicants to get the consent of their spouse. Overall, the party plans to hike taxes by almost £27 billion to fund major investments in health, social care and public services.
It includes reforms to capital gains tax (CGT) – paid on profits from selling an asset – which would raise £5 billion by 2028/29. The party would bring in new rates for CGT, akin to income tax bands, and increase the tax-free allowance.
Rejoining the Single Market would be one of four steps towards the ‘longer-term objective’ of EU membership (stock photo)
At the core of the pitch to voters was a package of health and care pledges – with a plan to recruit or retain 8,000 extra GPs to give a right to be seen by a doctor within seven days.
Sir Ed, who is a carer for his 16-year-old son John, said as he launched his plan in east London: ‘The truth is, unless we properly value care, unless we properly support carers, we will never be able to fix the crisis in our NHS or get our economy back on track.
‘And that’s why I’m so proud the Liberal Democrats have put health and care at the heart of our campaign in this General Election, and at the heart of our manifesto too.’
Last night Tory chairman Richard Holden said: ‘A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to put Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street. Everyone would pay the price for that.’
