Manufacturing industry is suffering from the disastrous consequences of the high pound. And tourism, which is so vital in many parts of the country, has been hit hard in recent months. The Conservatives were incompetent stewards of the British economy. Boom followed by bust, followed by boom, followed by bust. But Labour has done too little to address their fundamental mistakes - having starved services such as health and education of investment during their first three years in power.
Labour like to say that Britain is booming.
That is why Liberal Democrats will invest in education and learning this year, next year, every year to liberate the talents of our people. This is why 300,000 people in manufacturing and 60,000 in farming have lost their jobs since 1997. We will set an explicit exchange rate target and balance tax and spending plans. The result will be lower interest rates and a more competitive pound. We are also the only party with a truly pragmatic approach to partnerships with the private sector.