British senior citizens receive a smaller basic pension relative to average earnings than do elderly people in every other EU country except Ireland. We believe that this is not good enough, and we are determined to put it right. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats in these elections will send a clear message to the Government that they need to do more. That hasn't changed. Education opens the door to opportunity and fulfilment.
Education is also the key to a successful economy and a harmonious society.
To be serious about creating an excellent education system, is to be serious about creating wealth, reducing unemployment, fighting poverty, challenging prejudice and tackling crime. That is why we are committed to the most wide-ranging programme of investment and modernisation our schools and colleges have ever undergone. Our objective is nothing less than the creation of the world's very best education system and foremost learning society. Reform and expand early years education making it available to all three and four year olds whose parents want it, so that they can start preparing for learning earlier. We would establish a foundation key stage, tailored to the needs of 3-5 year olds.