As the UK general election approaches, voters are faced with the decision of which party to support. If you haven’t made your choice yet, this guide offers an overview of where the major parties stand on key issues, based on their campaign promises.
A manifesto is a set of pledges that parties present to voters, explaining their priorities and what they would do if elected.
This summary has been prepared by various journalists and political researchers from across the UK, aiming to help voters make informed choices at the ballot box.
How Were the Issues Chosen?
The issues covered in this guide are based on data from Ipsos Mori’s Issues Index, a monthly survey that identifies the most important concerns of the public. We reviewed surveys conducted over the twelve months leading up to the election and selected the issues based on their overall importance during this period.
For simplicity, we combined related issues into broader categories. For instance, “NHS, hospitals, healthcare, and social care” have been grouped under “NHS and care.” Additionally, “Democracy” was included as an issue in line with the BBC’s commitment to public service.
How Were Parties Selected?
To be included in this guide, a party must meet specific criteria, such as:
- Fielding candidates in at least one-sixth of constituencies in the nation it is contesting.
- Having had at least one MP in Parliament before its dissolution in June 2024.
- Holding an elected position in a national assembly.
- Winning more than 1% of the vote in a previous general election, national assembly election, or the 2019 European Parliament elections.
Parties are ordered according to their vote share in the 2019 general election, followed by alphabetical order.
How Are Policies Selected and Summarised?
The policies highlighted in this guide have been chosen through an editorial process overseen by BBC journalists. All parties included were contacted and invited to provide their key policies on the selected topics.
What About Devolved Issues?
Due to devolution, the UK Parliament does not have full control over certain areas such as health, which is managed by the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. However, parties still campaign on these issues during the election, even though they may not be directly handled by Westminster.
The guide acknowledges the differences in devolved powers, pointing out that certain policies may not become law in devolved nations, even if passed by the UK Parliament.
Understanding Devolution in the UK
Devolution refers to the transfer of certain powers from the UK Parliament to the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This system allows different parts of the UK to make their own decisions on specific issues, such as health and education, while others remain under the control of Westminster.
This guide is a tool to help you understand the key differences between the parties and make an informed decision when voting in the general election.