Labour pledges to press for further reform of the CAP
By Andrew Watts
THE LABOUR Party has launched its election manifesto with a commitment to press for further reform of the CAP – starting with the sugar regime – and push for an end to agricultural export subsidies by 2010.
Launched on Wednesday (Apr 13), the manifesto concentrates on the issues Labour considers to be the most important to its election campaign.
The primary areas of focus are the economy, education, crime and the National Health Service.
Although there is no specific mention of agriculture, Labour continues to echo previous commitments promising to press for greater trade liberalisation in rich countries to benefit less well-off nations.
“We will press for the conclusion of an ambitious trade deal that will completely open markets to exports from poorer countries.
“And for further reform of rich countries” agricultural subsidies, including the CAP, and a 2010 timetable to end agricultural export subsidies,” says the 2005 manifesto.
There is a commitment to introduce a policy for schools, hospitals and government offices to consider local sourcing of fresh produce and an assurance to promote biomass, bio-fuels and non-food crops.
Labour would continue to promote environmental stewardship of the countryside with a vow to tackle diffuse water pollution.
If re-elected, Tony Blair pledges that his party would also introduce the Animal Welfare Bill “as soon as possible in the new Parliament”.
Environmental and climate change themes feature strongly throughout the 112-page document, with Labour giving a firm commitment to empower local authorities to tackle litter, graffiti and fly-tipping.
Plans to extend the current recycling schemes will allow for the kerbside collection of at least two types of recyclable materials to all households in England by 2010 avoiding the need for the waste to be dumped in landfill.
On crime, Labour promise to add a further 19,400 community support officers to work along- side an additional 12,000 police officers freed up to carry out frontline duties.