Labour Party launches election manifesto

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has launched his ruling Labour Party's manifesto for next month's General Election. It pledges to freeze the basic rate of income tax for five years.

The manifesto contains a promise not to change the higher rate tax of 40 pence in the pound, and the newly-introduced top rate of 50 pence in the pound for those earning more than 150,000 pounds a year.

There is also a pledge not to extend value added tax which is the country's sales tax, to food, children's clothes, books, newspapers or transport. However, there is no promise not to increase it.

British Prime Minister and Labour party leader Gordon Brown delivers his speech during the launch of his party's manifesto in Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital's new building, Monday, April 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)