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There are several key battlegrounds where the political parties are hoping to win votes in Kent for the general election on June 8. Paul Francis outlines their pledges.
Running railways and public services
They say: “We will launch new services in places that are poorly served or host major new housing projects.”
They say: “We will take advantage of near-record low interest rates to create a National Transformation Fund that will invest £250 billion over 10 years in upgrading our economy.”
They say: “Liberal Democrats will commit to a responsible and realistic £100bn package of additional infrastructure investment and significant investment in road and rail infrastructure.”
The rights of EU workers living in the UK after Brexit
They say: “We will secure the entitlements of EU nationals in Britain and British nationals in the EU.”
They say: “Those who have migrated to this country have made an immense contribution to our society.”
They say: “Regardless of the outcome of any negotiations with Europe around Brexit, EU citizens who have made Britain their home must be allowed to stay.”
The shape of a trade deal after Brexit
They say: “As we leave the European Union, we want to negotiate a new deep and special partnership with the EU, which will allow free trade between the UK and the EU’s member states.”
They say: “We will scrap the Conservatives’ Brexit White Paper and replace it with fresh negotiating priorities that have a strong emphasis on retaining the benefits of the single market and the customs union – which are essential for maintaining industries, jobs and businesses in Britain.”
They say: “A hard Brexit will make all these problems worse. It is the wrong choice for the country. Liberal Democrats will fight to prevent a hard Brexit.”
Jobs and wages
They say: “Capitalism and free markets remain the best way to deliver prosperity and economic security, lifting millions of people out of poverty around the world.”
They say: “A Labour government will invest in enforcement through a new Ministry of Labour, and empower workers and their trade unions – because we are stronger when we stand together.”
They say: “We will encourage the creation and widespread adoption of a ‘good employer’ kitemark covering areas such as paying a living wage, avoiding unpaid internships and using name-blind recruitment.”
Immigration and the future of border controls between the UK and EU
They say: “We want to see sustainable net migration in this country. Leaving the European Union enables us to control our borders in relation to people coming from the EU as well as those who are coming from outside the EU.”
They say: “Labour believes in ‘fair’ rules and reasonable management’ of migration but rules out ‘making false promises on immigration numbers’.
They say: “You simply can’t have a hard Brexit and a strong economy. And that is before you consider how migrants have made British society more exciting, dynamic and successful.”
Adult social care and pensions
They say: “We believe this powerful combination maximises protection for pensioner households with modest assets, often invested in the family home, while remaining affordable for taxpayers.”
They say: “We will change the culture of the social security system, from one that demonises people not in work to one that is supportive and enabling.”
They say: “The Liberal Democrats will rescue the NHS and social care. We are prepared to be honest with people and say that we will all need to chip in a little more.”
Help for small businesses
They say: “We will continue to support small businesses through business rate relief and low taxation, and by reducing the bureaucracy and regulation that prevents small businesses from flourishing.”
They say: “Labour is the party of small businesses. We understand the challenges our smaller businesses face. ”
They say: “Our priority in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is to ensure they have access to the funding they need, and in particular long-term (and patient) capital.”