Ancram confronts Labour on tax

Michael Ancram placing a bet on a Conservative win

The Conservatives have stepped up their campaign by accusing Labour of "covering up" on key election issues.

On the election trail in Cardiff, party chairman Michael Ancram said the Tories would "lift the mask" on the government so that electors could see the truth.

He claimed that Prime Minister Tony Blair had asked French Premier Lionel Jospin not to make a speech which could damage Labour's general election prospects.

Tony Blair: Accused of 'covering up' issues

He said Labour had a £10bn "tax hole" on the issue of its spending grants.

Mr Ancram pressed home the Conservatives claim that Britain would face tax harmonisation with the rest of Europe if Labour was re-elected, pushing taxes up.

He attacked EU Commissioner Frits Bolkestein comments after the Tories tax claims were roundly dismissed.

"It is a warning that Europe has got a very clear agenda and they are even prepared to allow Commissioners to take part in trying to achieve that agenda," he said.

Attacks hitting home

Labour, he said, were also guilty of "whining and moaning", alleging that broadcasters had collaborated with protesters on the election trail.

The government had written to the BBC, ITN and Sky after several incidents, including the scuffle involving John Prescott and and egg thrower.

Mr Ancram said that it was a sign Conservative attacks were hitting home.

The Tory chairman will visit five target seats in Wales today, Monmouthshire, Cardiff North, Vale of Glamorgan, Preseli and Brecon and Radnor.

He claimed that the Tories had started its campaign faster, more effectively and more efficiently than the other parties in Wales.

On the Secretary of State, he said Tony Blair needed to be asked whether he would keep the position for the whole Parliament.