Silverstone is the traditional home of British motor racing. Over 70 years it has seen thrilling rivalries and close victories. Last week it hosted the Conservative Party, who are trying to overtake Labour in the election race.

The Tories were launching their 2024 manifesto. Here are six of its most important policies:¹

In the headlines. A total of £17 billion in tax cuts, including a 2p cut to National Insurance.

Economy. Cuts to the civil service, reforms to welfare, and a clampdown on tax avoidance. Also, a promise to build 1.6 million new homes, with a scheme to help first-time buyers.

Education. So-called "low-quality" degrees replaced with apprenticeships. Also, a ban on mobile phone use at schools during the day.

Immigration. Asylum seekers will be sent to Rwanda and legal limits on migration will come down each year.

Health and social care. The manifesto contained few healthcare policies, but it promised that care costs would be capped.

Society. A new National Service scheme. Anyone turning 18 would have to spend one weekend a month doing community service or being in the military.

Some commentators expected the Tories would try to win voters with impossible promises. But, according to the right-wing magazine The Spectator, this was a cautious manifesto: a "careful, credible pitch to the minority of voters who have not made up their minds".²

However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a respected think tank, argued that the manifesto was "paid for by uncertain, unspecific and apparently victimless savings".³ Given that the party has been in power for 14 years, a long list of broken promises makes it hard for the public to trust them.

The Conservatives also argued that while they will cut taxes, Labour will increase them. In reality, it seems that neither party has been honest with the public about how they will pay for their promises. As a result, most voters expect taxes to rise, whoever wins the election.⁴

Unless the Conservatives win the election, none of these policies matter very much. But the Tories are trailing Labour by 20% in most polls, and there are just three weeks until the country votes. In the race for No.10, the gap is getting bigger.  

Do you agree?

Yes: The Conservatives are not making impossible promises to win back voters. Their manifesto contains sensible offers that will keep the economy on track.

No: Nobody trusts the Tories any more. Even though they have promised to cut taxes and build more homes, it is hard to believe them after 14 years in power.

Or... Both Labour and the Conservatives have unfunded promises in their manifestos. But the Tory claims matter less, because nobody thinks they can win the election.