Cameron steps up general election fight as parties trade blows

Prime Minister David Cameron has defended his government's record as the parties stepped up their campaigning ahead of the general election.

Mr Cameron said Tory plans for post-election spending cuts were "moderate", reported BBC.

He also responded to Labour's latest attack over the NHS, saying he would commit the funds needed to shore up the service in the future.

Labour has said the NHS would be left "unrecognisable" if the Conservatives win the election.

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show days after unveiling the Conservatives' first campaign poster for the general election, Mr Cameron said he was "very happy" to be judged on his record since 2010.

In the wide-ranging interview, he also:

Claimed Labour would spend an extra £13.5bn on debt interest because of slower spending cuts

Made a "commitment" that the regular Armed Forces would not be reduced further in the next parliament

Said maintaining the Nato target of spending 2% of national income on defence "depends on what happens on the economy"

Said he would like to see a referendum on EU membership - which is promised by 2017 - as soon as possible

Suggested Conservative ministers would not be given a free vote on leaving the EU

Criticised UKIP, saying the party had "clearly got some issues"

Labour said the Conservatives' deficit attack was based on "false assumptions and out-of-date economic forecasts", while the Lib Dems said only they offered a "fair and balanced approach".

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said the prime minister had been "incredibly rude" about his party while trying to "sound a little bit like us".