How Tories and Lib Dems marry up

Education

Both support introducing a 'pupil premium' to target funding towards struggling pupils from poorer backgrounds.

Public sector wages

Both agree they must be capped: the Tories want a total freeze, the Lib Dems a 400 limit on rises

Funds for children

Both want to cut child tax credits for middle and high-income families

ID cards

Both are committed to scrapping the scheme

Environment

Both are committed to building a low-carbon economy

Airport expansion

Both oppose a third runway at Heathrow and second runways at other airports

Where they disagree

Europe

The Lib Dems are pro-European; the Tories have ruled out joining the Euro and want to claw back powers if possible

Immigration

The Lib Dems want an amnesty for illegal immigrants; the Tories want a firm cap on future arrivals

Defence

The Lib Dems want to scrap the replacement of Trident; the Tories say it is essential

Crime

The Lib Dems want fewer people in prison; the Tories want to abolish prisoner release scheme

Spending cuts

The Tories want to cut spending by 6bn this year; the Lib Dems say that immediate cuts would threaten the recovery