We propose to:

• increase numbers in higher and further education by 500,000 by 2002 and improve access;

• work with higher and further education to implement the recommendations the Dearing and Kennedy reports;

• raise attainment and participation of 16-19 year olds through Investing in Young People and enhancing the contributions of the Careers and Youth Services;

• expand work-based training for young people particularly through the Modern Apprenticeship programme;

• strengthen learning in the family and in communities, and establish an Adult and Community Learning Fund;

• improve provision specifically for people with disabilities or learning difficulties;

• establish local planning for lifelong learning by all the key players;

• establish the Regional Development Agencies with a focus on support for lifelong learning; and

• put our vision of the Learning Age at the heart of thinking in Europe.