General Election: Lib Dems outline "responsible" £100bn capital spending and diesel ban

The Lib Dems have outlined plans for £100bn in capital investment and a commitment to halt the decline in buses and increase spending on cycling.

The party's manifesto commitment on infrastructure - which contrasts with Labour's £250bn package - and would see a £5bn increase in borrowing to finance investment in 2019/20, arguing that the Conservatives have failed to take advantage of historically low interest rates to invest in the future. Like Labour, the party would back Crossrail 2 and HS2. As well as "significant" rail and road investment, the Lib Dems would follow the Get Britain Cycling recommendation to spend £10 per person per head on cycling, review bus spending to halt the decline in use, and introduce a two-thirds discount card for 16 - 21-year-olds using buses.

The Lib Dems also stand apart with a policy to ban the sale of diesel cars and small vans by 2025 and to continue to oppose airport expansion in southern England. It would champion the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine initiatives, while devolving "more decision-making power over transport".