Although technically founded the year before, the Monster Raving Loony Party first stood under that name in the Bermondsey byelection of 1983, and has since become a staple of British politics and culture. The way that England is governed is no longer a purely political affair, with a host of non-governmental organisations, think tanks and pressure groups making their voices heard. However, the two main political parties remain the Conservative and Labour, and between them they have the ability to shape the course of the nation.
Earlier this year, the independent Electoral Commission published its report into the 2019 General Election. In summarising its conclusions, Sir Paul said that UK research was inadequate in comparison to other countries, and called on all political parties to work together to secure a UK strategy for long-term electoral resilience and integrity.
At the UK level, political parties are funded predominantly by private donations, loans and membership fees. There is limited public funding, with each political party receiving a small annual grant from the Electoral Commission, as well as a small portion of the broadcasting licence fee. The platforms on which the UK's political parties will fight the next election, most likely in late 2024, are starting to emerge, with the Conservatives and Labour both focusing on their 'levelling up' policies.
One of the key issues currently being discussed is the provision of free school meals for children from low income families. This was a major issue during the 2019 General Election, with the Labour Party pledging to extend free school meals to all children. The campaigners said political parties must remove the means testing of children for food in school and deliver healthy school food for all.
Brexit is also likely to remain a key issue in the upcoming election. The Conservative Party has vowed to 'get Brexit done' and has already passed the Withdrawal Agreement Bill. The Labour Party on the other hand is still undecided on its Brexit policy, with some advocating for a second referendum while others are calling for a 'soft Brexit'. TIP: A relevant Component 1 topic could be Component 2: Political parties. Support for Brexit has been a defining feature of the modern Conservative Party, while Labour is divided on the issue.
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how the smaller parties fare in the upcoming election. The Liberal Democrats have seen a revival in recent years, while the Green Party has been gaining ground in local elections. The Brexit Party is also likely to be a force in the next election, with its support base largely concentrated in specific regions of the country.
Another issue to watch is foreign policy, particularly with regard to the UK's relationship with the European Union. The Conservatives are likely to remain committed to Brexit, while Labour is likely to call for a closer relationship with the EU. The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are both advocating for a 'remain and reform' approach, while the Brexit Party is calling for a 'clean break' from the EU.
The UK's relationship with the US could also be a key issue in the next election. The Conservatives have long enjoyed close ties with the US, while Labour has traditionally been more critical of US foreign policy. The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, are likely to call for a more independent approach, while the Green Party is likely to oppose any deepening of ties with the US.
Finally, the UK's relationship with other countries around the world could also be a major factor in the next election. The Conservatives are likely to champion the 'Global Britain' agenda, while Labour is likely to focus on human rights and international development. The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are likely to call for a more progressive foreign policy, while the Brexit Party may focus on immigration and trade.
With the next general election likely to be in 2024, the UK's political parties are starting to set out their platforms and policies. There is likely to be a strong focus on Brexit, foreign policy, and the economy, while the provision of free school meals, immigration and US-UK relations could also be key issues. How the electorate will respond to the various parties' policies remains to be seen.
