The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg notes that Theresa May is "ditching" a fair number of manifesto pledges the Conservatives put forward just two years ago in 2015. She asks whether the Tories are painting a "bleak picture" this time round.

The Conservative leader rejects that idea, describing the manifesto as "a vision for opportunity and prosperity" but one which is "being honest with the public" about hard choices.

Theresa May's speech gets applause and a standing ovation from colleagues at the front. Some are standing at the back but it's not clear if that's to applaud or just to catch a glimpse of the action at the front.

We think it is the only manifesto we have seen so far which backs the idea of a third runway at the airport west of London.

Her speech has the personal tone of many of her campaign appearances, as she calls on people to vote for "me and my team".

She ends by urging people to "stand with me as I deliver for Britain" and her audience responds with a standing ovation.

Theresa May calls on the country to unite ahead of Brexit, urging voters to back her.

Theresa May touches on manifesto pledges, such as an "ambitious plan' for NHS technology and infrastructure, "record" funding for schools and the "first proper plan for social care".

Then she adds:

Theresa May says the Conservative manifesto addresses what she calls the "five great, giant challenges that we face as a country":

1. The need for a strong economy

2. Responding to Brexit and a changing world

3. Tackling enduring social divisions

4. Responding to an ageing society

5. Facing up to fast-changing technology

1. Personal tax allowance to be increased to £12,500
2. Higher tax rate threshold increased to £50,000 by 2020
3. Corporation tax to fall to 17% by 2020
4. A full review of business rates.

The central challenge is negotiating Brexit and having the strongest hand, Theresa May says.

"If we fail the consequences for Britain.. will be dire. If we succeed the opportunities ahead of us will be great," warns Mrs May.

"If we get Brexit right we can use this moment of change," Mrs May says.

"That is the real prize, because for too many people life is simply much harder than many seem to realise."

She pledges a government "that works in the interests of ordinary people".

There will be obstacles, Theresa May warns: "Many who will want us to fail."

It will mean discipline and focus, plus hard work, she warns. She then moves on to say the UK's nations must be united to "go forward together".

Theresa May takes to the stage to launch her "manifesto for Britain", her plan "for a stronger, more prosperous Britain".

She says it's a portrait for how she wants Britian to be post-Brexit.

"We have a chance to step back and ask what kind of country we can build."

The manifesto launch kicks off with Brexit Secretary David Davis, who says that the Tories' vision of a stronger economy and a "global Britain" depends on "getting the right Brexit deal".

Theresa May, Mr Davis says, has the strength to lead those negotiations and has "a clear plan for Brexit".

BBC News Channel

We're also expecting the prime minister to talk about immigration.

Ten days ago Theresa May indicated the Conservatives will again promise to cut net migration to the "tens of thousands" in their election manifesto - a target which has been repeatedly missed.

BBC assistant political editor Normal Smith says he's not expecting a "masterplan" today, "but more a statement of ambition".

Net migration is the difference between the numbers of people moving to the UK for more than a year, and the numbers of people leaving the UK to live elsewhere for a year or more. The most recent figure was 273,000 and the last year that it was below 100,000 was 1997.

1. Scottish referendum cannot take place until Brexit process played out
2. The ban on grammar schools is lifted
3. Increase NHS spending by a minimum of £8bn in real terms over the next five years.

We'll be fleshing out more details on all these lines as we get them...

1. Tighter rules on takeovers
2. Tighter rules on company pay
3. Legislation for executive pay packages - companies would have to publish the pay ratio
4. New rules on the aid target - but 0.7% of GDP commitment remains

We'll be fleshing out more details on all these lines as we get them...

The five main commitments in the Conservative manifesto are for

1. Strong economy
2. Brexit
3. Social provision
4. Ageing society
5. Fast-changing technology