BBC NEWS | Politics | Howard unveils his Queen's Speech

BBC NEWS | Politics | Howard unveils his Queen's Speech: "BBC NEWS
Howard unveils his Queen's Speech
The Tories have named improving public services, controlling immigration and reducing taxes as top priorities in their 'alternative' Queen's Speech.

Conservative leader Michael Howard said the plans were aimed at showing his party was serious about tackling issues which really mattered to voters.

The proposals were published ahead of Tuesday's official Queen's Speech, which will set out government plans.

Labour said the Tory plans would return Britain to 'boom and bust misery'.

And Liberal Democrat chairman Matthew Taylor said the party had little to offer apart from cuts in paperwork.

'No improvement'

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Howard said Tony Blair would present 'the same old talk' at the Queen's Speech on Tuesday.

'After seven years under Tony Blair, crime is out of control, our hospitals are dirty and our immigration system is a shambles,' he said.

They have learned no lessons from their past
Alan Milburn, Labour's general election co-ordinator
'Taxes have shot up 66 times, but people see no improvement for their money.'

He said his party would concentrate on issues which mattered to ordinary voters.

Those included more police, cleaner hospitals, school discipline, controlled immigration, lower taxes.

The Tories' alternative speech promised:

* to cut back waste and bureaucracy in government in order to 'set Britain on a path to lower taxes'

* to introduce measures to cut teachers' paperwork and give head teachers complete control over exclusions from their schools

* to make secure cleaner hospitals and a safer environment for patients its 'highest priority' within the National Health Service

* to restore firmer entry controls into the UK and the creation of a points system for immigration to ensure priority is given to people who want to 'work hard and make a p"