Liberal Democrat Policies set to be introduced

11.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 25th May 2010

A large number of Liberal Democrat policies were announced in today's Queen's Speech, including the party's major priorities: fair taxes, a fair start for children, a green and sustainable economy, and a comprehensive clean up of politics.

The policies include:

Making the tax and benefits system fairer and simpler, including a significant increase in the personal allowance and an ambition to increase it to £10,000

Restoring the earnings link to pensions

Greater freedoms for teachers over the curriculum

Measures to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses

Support for low carbon energy production

Financial services regulation to learn the lessons of the financial crisis

Fixed term parliaments of five years

A referendum on the Alternative Vote

The right to sack MPs guilty of serious misconduct

Reform of party funding

Moving towards a wholly or partly elected House of Lords, elected by proportional representation

A Bill to restore freedoms and civil liberties, through the abolition of Identity Cards and repeal of unnecessary laws

Giving greater powers to councils and giving neighbourhoods and communities more control over planning and housing decisions

Ending child detention

Fair compensation for Equitable Life victims

Enabling the creation of a national high speed rail network

The modernisation of the Royal Mail

Flexible working and promotion of equal pay

Strengthening the voices of patients and the role of doctors in the NHS

A commission on long-term reform of social care

Cutting Quangos and government bureaucracy

Implementing the recommendations of the Calman Commission

A referendum on further powers for the Welsh Assembly