Briefings
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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.
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The Green manifesto
The Green Party has launched its election manifesto with a pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions in the UK by 2030, and invest £100 billion a year by 2030 as part of a “Green New Deal”.
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Nationalisation
The great nationalisation debate has dominated recent days. Labour is promising a number of state takeovers, including broadband, and has accused the Tories of wanting to sell off the NHS.
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Four elections in one
Is the UK having one general election or four very different elections? Politics in Northern Ireland has always been different. But, recently, England, Scotland and Wales have also diverged.
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Tactical voting
Nigel Farage, yesterday, claimed that tactical voting will decide the election — and the internet is buzzing with advice. What is tactical voting? And how much difference could it make?
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Education
All the main parties pledge to increase funding for education — but with radically different plans for how they would spend the money. It is set to be one of the main issues of the election.
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Defence spending
UK defence spending is just over £50 billion a year, or 6% of all public spending. So, not huge but contentious, as many believe the money would be better spent on health and welfare.