Local Lib Dem Welcomes Manifesto for Young People

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Apr 2007

Local Lib Dem candidate for Ogmore, Martin Plant has welcomed the launch of the party's mini manifesto for young people.

Votes at 16, affordable housing and guaranteeing the present financial support to students are the highlights of the Welsh Liberal Democrat mini-manifesto for young people and students, to be launched at Coleg Llandrillo today.

The fifteen point plan focuses on how Welsh Lib Dem policies in government would give young people more opportunities, make the green switch and get young people onto the housing ladder.

The mini-manifesto includes proposals to:

• Introduce an Opportunity Gateway measure to establish a youth volunteer scheme and require colleges and universities to attract students from low-income backgrounds.

• Invest an additional £4 million in sport coaching across Wales.

• Give 16 year olds the vote and allow community and town councils to co-opt two 16-25 year old representatives.

Mike German, leader of the party in the Assembly, said in his introduction to the manifesto:

"We are ambitious for young people right across the nation. Our values are their values. Action to protect the environment, opposition to the war in Iraq and ensuring that no one is denied the opportunity of education because of the fear of debt.

"The Liberal Democrats are a young party. We represent many of the constituencies with large numbers of students across the country, and in this year's Assembly election, we have more than a dozen candidates under the age of thirty standing for seats."

Welsh Lib Dem candidate Martin Plant added:

"As a twenty eight year old, I have experienced many of the difficulties that young people today face, such as student debt and getting onto the housing ladder. The Lib Dems don't talk young people down, as a party we want to invest in their potential. We are committed to ensuring that no-one is denied the opportunity of education because of the fear of debt. Whilst other parties like to play a game on student fees, we are upfront and clear. We guarantee at least the current support to students for the lifetime of the next Assembly.

"Our multi-million pound investment in housing will ensure that young people can get a home fit for them and their family.

"We are the party that is in tune with the aspirations of young people. That's why in student constituencies here in Wales, and across the UK, the Liberal Democrats are the growing force. We share their internationalist outlook, their passion about the environment and their belief in devolution."