The Liberal Democrats will pledge to protect free access to museums and galleries in their 2015 General Election manifesto.
Chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said his party would continue to offer government funding to 15 key cultural sites on the condition that they grant free entry, as they have since 2001.
He said the commitment would form part of efforts to ensure ‘as many people as possible have the opportunity to get on in life’.
‘Our museums and galleries are some of the best in the world. They are a source of inspiration and education for millions across the country,’ Alexander said.
‘The fact that attendance is at record levels and that last year was the first time a majority of people had visited a museum or gallery shows that free access is a policy that works.
‘The Liberal Democrats are now committing to maintain that free access in the next parliament so people from all backgrounds and income groups can make use of these great institutions without concerns about the cost.
‘The Liberal Democrats believe in offering opportunity for everyone in order to build a stronger economy and a fairer society.
