UK’s Labour promises economic reform, growth in election manifesto

By Mehmet Solmaz

LONDON (AA) - Britain’s main opposition Labour Party has revealed its manifesto for the July 4 general election, promising to boost the economy with a string of reforms once in power.

“Labour’s manifesto is built around five national missions to end sticking plaster politics, end the chaos, turn the page and meet the long-term challenges the country faces,” the manifesto read.

According to the latest voting intention poll reported by the BBC, Labour is at 43%, followed by the ruling Conservatives at 22%. The data result excludes ‘don’t know’ and ‘won’t vote’ options.

Labour leader Keir Starmer unveiled his plans at an event in Manchester, saying “wealth creation” is going to be his party’s number one priority.

“Britain has lost its balance. It is too hard for people to get on. Opportunity is not spread evenly.”

He said many communities were currently “disregarded as sources of dynamism” due to “the toxic idea that economic growth is something handed out by the few to the many. Today we turn the page on that for ever.”

Labour’s manifesto says the party will reform decision-making to shift power away from the parliament to “turbo-charge the efforts of mayors across the country, with new powers over transport, skills, housing and planning, and employment support, along with new growth plans for towns across the country.”

Introducing a modern industrial strategy is the other main point mentioned in the party pledge.