Ed Miliband has commissioned a giant stone inscription bearing Labour’s six election pledges that is set to be installed in the Downing Street Rose Garden if he becomes prime minister.
The 8ft 6in-high limestone structure is intended to underline his commitment to keep his promises by having them literally “carved in stone” and visible from the offices inside No 10.
The Rose Garden was the scene of David Cameron and Nick Clegg’s famous press conference when they announced their coalition vows after the 2010 general election delivered a hung parliament.
Miliband said that the stone would symbolise his commitment to keep his pledges and rebuild trust in British politics.
“Nick Clegg and David Cameron have helped erode trust in all political leaders by the way they broke promises on issues like tuition fees and immigration after the last election. If I am prime minister, I will keep our stone in a place where we can see it every day as a reminder of our duty to keep Labour’s promises. ”
The issue of trust in politicians –or lack of it – was highlighted in last week’s final television debate when the audience pummelled Cameron, Miliband and Clegg with questions about why they broke promises and failed to answer questions.
The Labour leader’s pledges include commitments to deliver higher living standards for working families, a stronger NHS, controls on immigration and a country where the next generation can do better than the last.
The stone will be unveiled on Sunday. Labour sources said it would either be placed in the Rose Garden or at Labour’s central London headquarters if the party wins on Thursday. What happens to it if Labour loses is less clear.
“This stone is a symbol of our commitment to keep our promises,” Miliband told the Observer.
