Radical new tax package will help the poorest and safeguard the environment

4.47.50pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Sep 2006

Today at Conference the Liberal Democrats supported the biggest overhaul to British tax policy in modern times. The unamended motion will make the 'Green Switch', by shifting taxes from positive things such as work onto negative things which damage the environment. It may even see the other two major parties now looking at adopting a similar approach in the race to prove which is the greenest of them all. It will prove a particular challenge to Tory leader David Cameron who has put huge effort into winning green credentials for his party.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell said "We are going into the next election with bold and credible tax policies. They demonstrate our commitment to tackling inequality and environmental damage whilst maintaining financial discipline.

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable MP said "I welcome conference's endorsement of these radical tax policies, which will see two million low paid workers taken out of income tax altogether. They put us on a strong footing as we move towards the next election. Green taxes will produce the behavioural changes needed to safeguard our environment without increasing the overall tax burden."