Each season, Bright Blue will be campaigning for key policies to be adopted by the Government, which fit with our
core aims and address the pressing issues of the day. We join other organisations from across the political
spectrum in pushing for urgent implementation of these desirable, credible policies.
Winter 2011/2012
Long-term funding and transparency of international aid
It is shameful and scandalous that so many people in the poorest areas of the world lack access to basic health, education and housing. We should be proud that UK provides aid that transforms lives and creates opportunities. Not only does aid alleviate poverty, if spent in the right way it can actually put countries on a path to ending aid dependency. It is in our national interest too, supporting growth in emerging markets, and raising standards of living to help avert conflict and unrest that could threaten UK citizens. The Government should enshrine in law that the UK will spend 0.7% of GNI on international aid each year. But taxpayers deserve to know exactly how much aid is being provided, what it’s being spent on, and what it achieves.
A global deal to prevent climate change
Climate change seriously threatens the world economy, international security, social stability, poverty reduction and animal habitats. Global action and investment is urgently needed to encourage low carbon growth and enable adaptation in vulnerable countries. On top of its commitment to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, the UK Government should continue to lead the way in pressing for a new, more ambitious international-binding agreement on cutting greenhouse gas emissions which includes supporting low-carbon development in the poorest countries. In addition, the Government should continue to incentivise low- carbon energy production – including nuclear, wind and biogas - and provide generous funding for the development and production of green technology that supports mitigation and adaptation.
Applying pressure to countries that persecute women, homosexuals and ethnic and religious minorities
Human rights – freedom of speech, the right to an education, protection from violence, freedom from torture – are universal, not Western. We should not shy away from criticising countries that undermine and abuse the rights of women, homosexuals and ethnic and religious minorities. The beliefs and lifestyles of these minorities should be tolerated, respected and celebrated. We’re calling on the UK Government to apply intense diplomatic pressure to those countries that outlaw the behaviour of - and permit and encourage violence towards - minorities. In fact, Britain should withdraw aid from those countries that continue to seriously undermine the rights of women, homosexuals and religious and ethnic minorities.
An expanded European Union
Amidst the instability in the Eurozone, it should not be forgotten that the EU has enormous potential in spreading liberal, democratic ideals. The prize of EU membership prompts key progressive political, social and economic reform in countries seeking entry. A bigger, united EU can also have greater clout in international diplomacy, helping to achieve change across the globe that nurtures free markets, social liberalism, political democracy and environmental sustainability. Britain should be pushing for an expanded EU of countries that meet the Copenhagen Criteria. In particular, we support the eventual accession of Turkey to the EU.
Summer 2011
Reduce the tax burden on low and middle income workers
The Coalition Government is committed to making gradual steps towards raising the personal tax allowance to £10,000 over the life of this parliament. Welcome steps have already been taken towards this goal. To help increase the purchasing power of low and middle-income workers, to assist growth and better guarantee fairness, as soon as the Government is in a position to do so, it should reduce the tax burden on lower and middle income workers.
Provide sufficient support for parents with childcare costs
After reducing government tax credit support available to low and middle-income families with their childcare costs in April 2011, it looks likely that the Coalition Government will reduce the support available for childcare costs even further with the introduction of the Universal Credit in 2013. With childcare costs continuing to rise above inflation each year, childcare could become unaffordable for many families with declining state support. This would deny children, especially from more deprived backgrounds, the opportunity to access life-changing pre-school education. And it could reduce especially female employment, harming gender equality and endangering economic growth. We’re calling on the Government to take steps to ensure formal childcare remains affordable for all.
Protect Sure Start Children′s Centres
Before forming the Government, David Cameron pledged to maintain the existing network of Sure Start Children′s Centres. This is because robust evidence shows that effective health and education interventions in the early years of a child′s life deliver the greatest opportunities to enhance life chances. But there is a danger in the current climate that many Children′s Centres will close. We want the Coalition Government to take steps to ensure adequate investment in Sure Start so Children′s Centres can remain open and thrive. It is a sure way to help boost social mobility and reduce public expenditure in the long-term.
