by Anne Alexander
Political Editor
Labour today launched its blueprint for a historic third successive term in office, with a pledge not to raise taxes.
Tony Blair revealed the party's General Election manifesto, which he described as "quintessentially New Labour", with the whole Cabinet including the ever present Chancellor Gordon Brown.
It promises no rise in the basic rate or higher rate of income tax during the next Parliament as well as a promise that children's clothes, food and books will remain exempt from VAT.
The pocket-sized paper-backed document noticeably for the first time does not include a picture of Tony Blair on the front.
It brings together many policies already revealed over the past few weeks in mini manifestos and departmental five-year plans.
Supertram
Though there is a commitment to look into a north-south rail link, it offers little hope for those battling for the Leeds Supertram.
It commits to supporting existing light rail schemes, but not to paying for new tram systems, such as the Leeds Supertram.
Among the new measures revealed in the blueprint are plans to force rowdy pubs and clubs to search all punters for knives and guns.
Everyone arrested for property and drugs offences would be tested for illegal substances, starting off in high-crime areas, and later being extended to the whole country.
Banks will be forced to either pay back the money in dormant accounts or put the money back into the community and there would be a review of the whole council tax system which could be reformed.
All workers would be guaranteed four weeks off a year, plus Bank Holidays and the minimum wage would rise to £5.35 per hour by next year.
There would be consultation on sweeping away the retirement age altogether as more people are encouraged to work beyond 65 if they want to.
And A level marks as well as grades would be made available to universities for admissions, and the exams themselves would be made harder.
Police and local authorities would be allowed to keep half of the assets they seize from criminals in raids.
Among the other pledges already unveiled, headteachers would be allowed to search pupils for knives and guns and parents would have more power over their children's schooling.
Pensioners will get free bus travel and long-term plans to deal with the looming pensions crisis will be put in place which would see people forced to set up their own private savings scheme to prepare for their old age. Mr Blair said as he launched the manifesto: "At its core is the traditional value that we should stand up for the many, not the few, breaking down the barriers that hold people back, allowing everyone to fulfil their potential.
anne.alexander@ypn.co.uk