This week, the major political parties in the UK have published their manifestos — a series of documents laying out their vision for government.
The UK election will be held on 4 July.
While the Conservative Party is hoping to hold on to power, polls show the Labour Party is likely to win.
Manifestos
Before a UK general election, the major political parties outline their policy and spending commitments in a series of documents called a manifesto. This could include tax changes, investments in schools and hospitals, or increasing numbers of police officers.
Manifestos present a party’s vision for how it would run the UK.
When a successful party forms Government, it’s expected to legislate its manifesto promises.
The parties
Conservatives — the governing party, aka the Tories. The current Prime Minister is Rishi Sunak. The Tories have been in power since 2010, led by David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss.
Labour — the main opposition party, headed by Keir Starmer.
Liberal Democrats — a centre-left party, led by Ed Davey.
Reform UK — a right-wing populist party, led by Nigel Farage.
Conservatives
Sunak launched the Tories’ manifesto at the Silverstone race track, which hosts the British Grand Prix.
He promised to cut taxes, boost defence spending to 2.5% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by 2030, cap migration levels, and introduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds finishing school.
Sunak said the Tories must “stick with the plan” to improve the UK economy, which has been shaken by COVID-19, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and a ‘mini-budget’ delivered under Truss which has been widely described as “disastrous”.
Labour
Starmer revealed the Labour Party’s manifesto in the north-west city of Manchester.
He pledged to cut hospital waiting times, create a new border security agency, hire 6,500 more teachers, and set up a nationally-owned UK energy company.
Under the banner “Change”, Starmer promised to bring national, border, and economic security “at the service of working people”.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats, the fourth-biggest party in the UK Parliament ahead of this election, released its manifesto in London.
The party wants to provide free personal home care for people who need help to perform daily tasks. It also committed to see 100% of cancer patients in care within two months of a referral.
Leader Ed Davey, who has a son with physical disability, has centred his campaign on the need for the UK to improve its care system.
Polls
Polls have shown Labour leading over the Tories since December 2021.
Reform UK, a right-wing political challenger, will release its manifesto next week. This week, for the first time, Reform overtook the Tories in opinion polls.
YouGov’s latest poll showed Labour on 37%, Reform at 19%, Tories at 18%, and the Liberal Democrats at 14%. It pointed out, however, that Reform’s 1% lead falls within the margin of error.
What next?
Sunak and Starmer have participated in two live television debates so far. The final debate will take place on Wednesday night (local time) on the BBC.
Some of the parties‘ senior ministers and minor party leaders have also faced off in live debates.
Voters will head to the polls on 4 July.
