The United Kingdom will witness a landmark general election, with significant shifts in the political landscape that could reshape the nation’s future. Our post Covid society has experienced high levels of political apathy, as people feel that no political party will be able to lead the country.
The two main parties are the Conservatives and the Labour party – led by Rishi Sunak and Kier Starmer respectively. As of the 17th of June 2024, the opinion polls show that labour have 42% of support from the electorate, conservatives at 21% closely followed by the new and upcoming Reform UK. Opinion polls change throughout the election period; you can keep up to date with these latest trends by using this link.
The Conservative Party propose to have 30 hours of free childcare a week, saving eligible families £6,900 a year; national service for 18-year-olds where they can choose to serve in the army for a year or volunteer in their local community; a boost to defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 to secure British interests and 8,000 more full time police officers so every police ward has a new officer.
On the other hand, the Labour Party propose building 1.5million new homes in England during the next five years; restore plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 scrap the Rwanda scheme – which is intended to deter people arriving across the Channel on small boats; divert £75m from it to a new Border and Security Command and infamously tax 20% on private schools.
The role of minor parties in our political climate is growing as seen by the increased popularity with Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage and the Green Party lead jointly by Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsey.
These minor parties aim to gain a couple of seats to allow their voices to be heard in Parliament, they propose rather idealistic views as they know due to the type of voting system we have (first past the post) no matter how high the percentage of vote share they receive it is very hard for them to gain a large number of seats.
In school we are currently hosting a mock election where members of sixth form have been randomly assigned to a political party and must campaign for this party regardless of their own political beliefs. As explained in Mr Winrow’s assembly the leaders are as followed:
Labour Party- James Parfrey
Conservative Party -William Malley
Reform UK- Molly Grimshaw
Green Party- Zara Kadva
Liberal Democrat’s- Tom Hatchet
Monster Raving Looney Party- Maria Jones-Brosed
Voting will be held towards the end of July.
No matter how old or young you are politics surrounds you and regardless on your ability to vote; it is vital that you educate yourself on politics. We live in a “democracy” which by definition is where the people have power, therefore I am urging you to utilise this power and learn about how different political parties and their manifestos would affect you. It’s okay to have a different opinion from your friends and in fact this is good. Discuss your views in a respectful manner to allow yourself and others around you to learn and broaden your views.
Zahara Muhammad