Briefings
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The last leg
With less than 24 hours until polling stations open, we take a final look at the parties’ prospects. A hung Parliament, where no party secures a majority, is still very much a possibility.
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What next?
Friday 13th might be a bit of a horror show for the political party leaders. If, as many suspect, the election delivers a slim Tory majority, every party will have to deal with some big...
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Ones to watch
As election day gets closer, what should you be looking out for as the results stream in on Thursday? There will be the big exit poll at 10pm. There will also be interesting upsets in individual...
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Polls
Opinion polls dominate every election. They can be influential in whether or not people bother to vote. They inform the national debate, but they can sometimes get their predictions wrong!
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Leadership qualities
In a representative democracy, party leaders rarely shape the outcome by themselves. They drag their party up or down depending on their ratings. So, how are they faring this time?
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The green election
Is this the first green election? For the first time, the climate crisis and related issues dominate the manifestos. Politically, many are saying green is the new yellow, red and even blue.
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Tax and spend promises
Now all the major manifestos are out, we can do a special analysis of what they are promising. It looks very much like austerity is definitely over. But looks can be a little bit deceiving!
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What happens if?
With election day next week, what might happen? Although the polls suggest a Tory majority, who knows what will actually happen? So, here are a few of the main possible outcomes.
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Social media
Political parties and party leaders are using social media to send their messages to voters. Some people argue that the whole field is too unregulated and needs stronger oversight.
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The constitution
Conflict between the Government, Parliament and the courts is still raw. Calling an election has not resolved the issues. It has merely postponed them until the next Government is formed.
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Northern Ireland
What’s at stake in Northern Ireland in this election? For Remainers, it’s a chance to turn the tables on the DUP, which has been enjoying its moment in the sun, propping up the Tories.
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Civil servants
Civil servants are those who are employed by ‘the Crown’. This usually means that they work in government departments and are employed by government ministers. But what do they actually do?
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The Conservative manifesto
The Conservatives will “get Brexit done” and “forge a new Britain”, said Boris Johnson, launching his manifesto. He promised 50,000 more nurses and 50 million more GP appointments.
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The Labour manifesto
Labour says it has a manifesto to change the face of Britain. Its plans to expand the public sector, rearrange the constitution and reduce inequality are certainly radical. Could they work?
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The Liberal Democrat manifesto
The Liberal Democrats hope to repeat the trick the Scottish Nationalists managed after the independence referendum, when they captured most of the ‘yes’ vote and all but wiped out Labour.