Welsh Lib Dems launch campaign for a Fair Green Future

4.28.31pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Mar 2007

Cardiff North's Lib Dem Assembly candidate, Ed Bridges (centre) at today's launch of the party's Fair Green Future campaign.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats launched their campaign for a fair green future for Wales this morning.

At the launch, Assembly leader Mike German revealed nine of the party's key pledges around the Fair Green Future theme, ahead of the publication of the formal manifesto in April. He also revealed the largest slate of candidates ever put forward by the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Mike was joined at the press conference by Kirsty Williams AM and a host of young candidates from Wales - including Cardiff North's 24 year-old Lib Dem candidate, Ed Bridges.

Mike German AM said: "In this election the people of Wales have a clear choice between parties. If they want a fair green future, then they have to vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

"In my speech to conference I spoke about the importance of creating a society where young people can join in. A society that gives them opportunities, rather than disillusion. The snapshot of policies we are highlighting today showcase our intention to give young people opportunities, and our strong commitment to action in dealing with climate change."

Cardiff North's Lib Dem Assembly candidate, Ed Bridges, said: "We believe that our policies will give young people in Wales the best start in life. It's perfectly simple - smaller class sizes, better classrooms, and more opportunities to develop healthy active lifestyles can only improve Wales' future. And it's so important that young people actively engage in the political process to help make that happen."

Lib Dem candidate for Cardiff South & Penarth, Dominic Hannigan, said: "Too much of the current political mood is focused on demonising young people. We need to replace the politics of fear with a politics of hope. We can build a fairer greener future, but we have to start work now if we are to do it. Our proposals to set challenging targets on energy generation and recycling will put Wales at the forefront of the green revolution, and create economic opportunities too. And by blocking top-up fees for Welsh domiciled students, we are lifting fear of mortgage-style debts from their shoulders."

The Welsh Liberal Democrats unveiled nine key pledges from their forthcoming manifesto to highlight the Fair Green Future message.

FAIR:

• Guaranteed standard of service in the NHS for all

• No to top-up fees

• Votes for 16 year olds in local government elections

GREEN:

• 100% of Wales' electricity from renewable sources by 2050

• 60% household waste recycled by 2011

• Climate Connect fund to help families and communities go green

FUTURE:

• Class sizes of 25 in our primary schools - best start for children

• Invest in school buildings to create the best learning environment

• Create sporting and cultural opportunities for our young people