Why vote for me? (1) Health

Written by David Rendel and published in Newbury Weekly News on Thu 7th Apr 2005

Taxpayer's money should be used to pay for the best possible National Health Service. That ought to go without saying for all of us standing for election. It should not be diverted to subsidise people who use private sector health services, as the Conservatives propose. I also want to abolish the charges for eye and dental checks introduced by the Conservatives.

Only the Liberal Democrats will end the scandal of elderly people having to sell their homes in order to pay for personal care. I want to see free personal care across the UK - which is what Liberal Democrats have already achieved in Scotland. Both the other parties voted against free personal care in England.

Liberal Democrats support more investment in the NHS. After many years campaigning, I was absolutely delighted to fulfil my pledge, made at the 2001 general election, that West Berkshire would get its new hospital.

Finally, Liberal Democrats want to cut back on central Government interference with the work of nurses and doctors. We will place a greater emphasis on prevention of ill health, by promoting healthy school meals, introducing more food labelling to give consumers the information they need, and educating people about the dangers of smoking.