Howard launches Conservative election campaign

Tuesday, 5 April 2005 12:00 AM

Conservative leader Michael Howard today launched his party's election campaign with a promise to reward the nation's hard-working families.

Mr Howard's launch comes despite the fact that Mr Blair has not officially announced the date of the next general election.

The Tory leader emphasised that the Tories would fight on the policy planks they had already laid out: cleaner hospitals, better schools and more police.

He also vowed to continue targeting immigrants, Travellers and asylum-seekers, saying he would not change tack to "appease special interest groups".

Speaking in London, Mr Howard said voters would be faced with a "very clear" choice at the election.

"They can either reward Mr Blair for eight years of broken promises and vote for another five years of talk. Or they can vote Conservative, to support a party that's taken a stand and is committed to action."

Accusing Labour of having "lost the plot", he added: "Hard-working families - honest people who do the right thing, who respect others, who provide for their children, who look after their homes and contribute to their local communities are being taken for granted by Mr Blair."

He promised the Conservatives would if elected follow a 'Timetable for Action' to implement their policies on public services, crime and immigration.

Defending himself against claims of 'opportunism', Mr Howard said: "Some people say I shouldn't talk about difficult issues like the abuse of our asylum system and those travellers who stick two fingers up to the law.

"But we cannot make Britain a better place if we sweep difficult issues under the carpet ... I'm not prepared to appease special interest groups, because I believe passionately in fair play."

Commenting on his rivals, he added: "Nor will I be distracted from doing what I believe is best for Britain by the smirking politics of Mr Blair or the woolly thinking of the Liberal Democrats."

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