"Real and radical" reform of the public sector backed up with economic stability are the key themes of the Labour manifesto. Labour accepts it has not made enough progress on modernising the health service and transport services, and improving education. It therefore pledges:
More than 15 per cent increase in spending on education over three years; 10,000 more teachers.
An average 6% p.a. rise for three years on health
20,000 more nurses and 10,000 more doctors.
Waiting times for outpatients cut to three months; and for in-patients to six months by 2005.
100 new hospitals by 2010.
An extra £1.6 billion a year to 2003-4 for the police.
By 2010, 6,000 more officers. An extra 20 per cent p.a. for three years to improve transport.
No increase to top and basic rates of income tax.
Mortgages to be kept as low as possible.
The minimum wage raised to £4.20 an hour.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be replaced by a Department for Rural Affairs.
MPs to have a free vote on a Bill banning hunting with dogs early in the next parliament.
10-year goal to halve the burglary rate.
Tougher sentences for repeat offenders.
A new bill of rights for victims of crime.
A register of drug dealers.
Tougher action to deal with abuse of the asylum system.
A criminal assets recovery agency to seize assets of crime bosses, money launderers and drug groups.
The manifesto restates policy on euro, saying Labour is in favour of joining in principle. However, five economic tests must be met and voters will have final say in a referendum.
On Northern Ireland, the Labour manifesto pledges to build on the foundations of the Belfast Agreement, to establish a "modern, responsive and fully accountable" police service and reform the civil and criminal justice systems.