The following are policies of the British Labour and Conservative parties on major issues:

On economy：

Labour:

-- Labour Party will continue supporting the economy to strengthen the recovery and take the action necessary to promote growth and jobs. It would be a huge mistake to cut support while the economy is still recovering. However, as the recovery strengthens, Labour will take action to reduce the deficit, more than halving it over four years.

Conservatives:

-- A Conservative government will hold an emergency budget within 50 days of taking office to set out a credible plan to eliminate in large part the structural current budget deficit over a parliament. The first measures would start to take effect this year.

-- Cutting government spending. The conservatives will protect health spending in real terms and honor its commitments on international aid. The party will also have to make cuts in other areas of government spending.

On foreign affairs

Labour:

-- The greatest immediate threat to British national security is international terrorism. That's why Labour will never compromise when it comes to the safety and security of the British people. With Labour, Britain will continue working with its international allies in Afghanistan to tackle terrorism at its roots and protect the security of the UK. In recognition of the immense sacrifices of UK Armed Forces and their families, Labour will introduce greater measures of support and will continue to ensure that the Armed Forces receive all the equipment they need.

Conservatives:

-- It is in our national interest to promote free trade and sound development aid, and to work with other members of the UN Security Council to see that international law is respected and upheld. Above all, it is in our national interest to renew and reinforce our engagement with the rest of the world.

On climate change and energy

Labour:

-- Labour's environment, energy and climate change policies are about securing fairness, creating jobs and building strong communities as well as tackling carbon emissions and improving the quality of life. By taking the action Britain needs to tackle climate change and reduce waste we can drive economic growth, make Britain more energy independent, and make it easier for people to live in greener ways.

Conservatives:

-- With our energy supplies increasingly sourced overseas, and with urgent action needed to combat climate change, it's time to rethink the way we supply and consume energy in Britain. The Conservatives urge the need to move to a low-carbon economy in order to strengthen our economy, help guarantee our energy security and protect our environment for future generations.

-- A Conservative government will make developing renewable and low carbon energy sources a priority.