Does it really make any difference? Britain is heading to a general election with apathy and discontent. Some think that politics is futile. Others believe every vote counts.
The big idea: Politics is no longer working
Does it really make any difference? Britain is heading to a general election with apathy and discontent. Some think that politics is futile. Others believe every vote counts.
In 2017, a BBC camera crew told members of the public that Prime Minister Theresa May had called a snap general election. One woman, Brenda, responded with disgust: "You're joking! Not another one?"
Brenda became the symbol of a wider view across the United Kingdom: "There's too much politics going on at the moment."
A significant number of people today agree. As Britain prepares for its first election in five years, there are many who plan not to vote.
In the 2017 election, 39% of under-24s planned to vote compared to 68% of those aged 55-64.
In a recent Ipsos poll, 47% of respondents felt there is no point getting involved in politics.
It is easy to feel that politics is not working. The UK currently faces many crises: poor income growth, record NHS waiting times, declining living standards. Many think drastic solutions are needed.
Yet neither major UK party is offering bold ideas. LabourBritain's main left-of-centre political party. promises change, but its leader Keir Starmer has been called a "Diet ToryA member of the Conservative party. " and his shadow chancellorIn the UK, the member of the biggest political party not in government who follows the role of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Rachel Reeves has repeatedly promised to stick to government spending plans.
Outside forces seem to be in the driver's seat. The climate crisis continues to grow, AI is advancing at speed and the Covid-19 pandemic defied political control.
Yet some believe that politics is still hugely important, as the way in which countries adapt to larger changes.
Does it really make any difference?
Yes! Politicians may not always grasp all the issues they should, but they set a country's tone and direction.
No! The world is crying out for big changes. On climate alone, the world needs radical action, yet politicians deliver such slow and small changes.
Labour - Britain's main left-of-centre political party.
Tory - A member of the Conservative party.
Shadow chancellor - In the UK, the member of the biggest political party not in government who follows the role of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The big idea: Politics is no longer working

Glossary
Labour - Britain's main left-of-centre political party.
Tory - A member of the Conservative party.
Shadow chancellor - In the UK, the member of the biggest political party not in government who follows the role of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.