Liberal Democrats set out free child care plans

The Liberal Democrats have unveiled plans for free childcare for every family.

Under the new proposals, all families would get free, flexible childcare for toddlers. They would also get 19 months of shared, paid leave that offers both parents the chance to play an important part in the early months of their children's lives.

Henry Vann said: "Steve Lowe was absolutely right a fortnight ago, when he said that if anyone seriously believes the ills of our society can be resolved by returning to some Victorian morality they need help themselves.

"Finding childcare that fits around a family's needs can be a real struggle for parents. These fully costed plans, paid for by rejecting the costly, inefficient, and bureaucratic central programmes are the only policy that will truly help the families of Bedford and Kempston.

"The Conservative Party has not budged one iota on social policy; they offer nothing new."