Opportunity for All

As Liberals, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to get on in life and see their hard work and aspiration properly rewarded. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to flourish, no matter what their background or personal circumstances.

We know that a strong and thriving economy is one that develops the skills of its people and uses them for the benefit of all, and we recognise education as the best possible investment in our country’s future.

Unlike Labour, we don’t think the state always knows best. We believe that the true role for government is to empower individuals to make their own choices and free them to develop their own talents to the full. But unlike the Conservative Party and Reform, we understand that this requires an active and effective state, investing in education and training to give everyone access to the skills they need for the jobs of the future.

Skills are therefore at the heart of the Liberal Democrat vision for a fair, free and open society. This paper sets out our plan to ensure everyone has access to the training they need to develop their talents and realise their potential – helping to boost our economy and enlarge opportunity for all.