Greens launch manifesto

Thursday 15th April 2010, 11:53AM BST.

The Green Party launched its manifesto today hoping to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction with the main political parties and win its first parliamentary seat. It is fielding over 300 candidates across the country

This number is a record in its 30-year history.

Party leader Caroline Lucas, standing for the top target seat of Brighton Pavilion, unveiled the policy package in the south coast resort.

Foremost is a plan to introduce a “living wage” equivalent to 60 per cent of net national average earnings, or £8.10 an hour.?The current minimum wage is £5.80 an hour.

The party also advocates the creation of an extra million jobs and training places through a £44 billion package investing in renewables, transport, insulation, housing and waste management.

On the NHS, the Greens would abolish prescription charges, reintroduce free eye tests and allow people in England and Wales to benefit from the free social care available in Scotland.

For pensioners, there would be a “citizen’s pension” of £170 a week for single people and £300 a week for couples. Most of the an-nual £110 billion cost would be covered by abolishing pen- sion credits and tax relief on pension contributions.

View more: Election 2010 news.