Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said health and care are at the heart of his party’s General Election manifesto.
The document sets out that the Lib Dems would fund a £9.4 billion package for the NHS and social care in England by increasing taxes for banks and closing loopholes used by the super-rich.
Speaking at its launch in central London on Monday, Sir Ed said: “Caring has been in the shadows for loo long, and I’m proud that, as a party, we have brought it into the light.
“Like so many people, my caring story started young. I was nine when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, my dad had died when I was four, taken from us just a few months after being diagnosed with a cancer called Hodgkin lymphoma.”
He added: “I never called myself a young carer, I never thought of myself that way. I was just looking after my mum, because she needed it and I loved her.”
I’m so proud the Liberal Democrats have put health and care at the heart of our campaign in this General Election
Sir Ed said he understands how carers feel, adding: “The truth is, unless we properly value care, unless we properly support carers, we will never be able to fix the crisis in our NHS or get our economy back on track.
“And that’s why I’m so proud the Liberal Democrats have put health and care at the heart of our campaign in this General Election, and at the heart of our manifesto too.”
He said “the most touching messages of all have come from other carers” as he reflected on the General Election campaign so far.
The Conservatives, the Green Party and Labour are also expected to set out their election pledges this week.
The Lib Dems are unveiling plans to improve cancer care, repair hospitals and invest in public health.
They will include a right to see a GP within seven days, improving access to NHS dental care and wider availability of mental health services.
