Labour to publish new pledge cards

Thursday, 10 February 2005 12:00 AM

Labour is to publish on Friday six new pledges revealing the party's key priorities for a third term in office.

The new pledge card, akin to those used in 1997 and 2001, will be unveiled at Labour's Spring Conference in Gateshead, starting on Friday.

The pledges are expected to focus on childcare, housing, health, education and the economy.

Alan Milburn, Labour's election co-ordinator, said that the pledge card would "concentrate on the priorities of the British people" and the concerns of individual families.

On the cover is a smiling picture of Mr Blair and the heading "our pledge to ensure a better life for your and your family".

Mr Blair's signature is also in one corner.

The 2005 pledge will take Britain forward, not back, Mr Milburn said.

He promised an interactive campaign with the populace, using the internet, email and a cold calling telephone campaign by ministers to convince wavering voters.

Voters can register on Labour's website to receive details of the pledges as soon as they are published.

The party's three-day spring conference is being billed as a "springboard" for the general election campaign.

All of the party heavyweights, including Gordon Brown, John Prescott and most of the Cabinet, are expected to make appearances in Gateshead.

Though no election date has been announced, most commentators' money is on May 5.

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