As the UK approaches its next general election on 4^th of July, the major political parties have unveiled their manifestos, outlining their plans and visions for the nation's future. This article provides a detailed summary of the key points from the manifestos of the Labour Party, Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Green Party.

Labour Party
Labour's manifesto prioritises public services and social equity. They aim to enhance the NHS with 40,000 more weekly appointments and establish a publicly owned energy company, Great British Energy. In education, Labour promises 6,500 additional teachers and 3,000 new nurseries. Their tax proposals include applying VAT to private schools and instituting a windfall tax on oil and gas companies to fund public services and reduce inequality.

Conservative Party
The Conservative Party's manifesto focuses on economic growth and national security. They plan to abolish National Insurance for the self-employed and cut it for employees, aiming to increase disposable income. Housing is a key focus, with a commitment to build 1.6 million new homes. Their immigration policy includes regular flights to Rwanda to control illegal immigration. The pension system will see a "triple lock plus," providing personal tax allowances for pensioners.

Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats emphasise healthcare, housing, and a fair immigration system. They propose recruiting 8,000 more GPs and offering free personal care. Their housing plan includes building 380,000 new homes annually. On immigration, they advocate for scrapping the Rwanda scheme and implementing a merit-based system. Their environmental policies focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

Reform UK
Reform UK seeks radical changes in tax, energy policies, and immigration. They propose leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to regain full control over immigration. Their tax policies include raising the income tax threshold and abolishing inheritance tax for estates under £2 million. Energy plans involve abandoning net-zero commitments and increasing fossil fuel drilling for energy independence.

Scottish National Party (SNP)
The SNP's manifesto centres on Scottish independence and social welfare. They aim to start independence negotiations if they win a majority of Scottish seats. Tax proposals focus on the full devolution of tax powers to Scotland. In healthcare, they plan an additional £10 billion for the NHS in Scotland and the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, enhancing support for families.

Green Party
The Green Party emphasises environmental sustainability and social housing. They propose an annual investment of £8 billion in the NHS. Their energy policy includes nationalising the energy sector and transitioning to a green economy to combat climate change. Housing plans aim to build 150,000 new social homes annually and implement rent controls for affordable living conditions.

Conclusion
The manifestos of the major UK political parties present a range of policies and visions, reflecting diverse priorities from economic growth and national security to environmental sustainability and social welfare. These detailed proposals provide voters with clear choices as they decide the direction of the country's future. For comprehensive insights, voters are encouraged to review the full manifestos on each party's official website.

IGPP will be tackling a range of these key policies and issues with a diverse range of activities in the coming months. To explore what priorities the elected government has for the energy landscape and how public sector organisations can transition to be more sustainable, register your interest in the upcoming Achieving Net Zero in the Public Sector Show and Exhibition. To understand how the next government plans to tackle the teacher recruitment and retention challenges, join us at The Future of Education Show and Exhibition 2025 in Manchester in March 2025.