Political Parties - evidence Flashcards
(169 cards)
1
Q
What was David Cameron’s economic priority upon becoming Prime Minister?
A
David Cameron’s priority was to reduce the budget deficit inherited from the Labour government. He implemented a programme of public spending cuts, known as “austerity,” to maintain market confidence and prevent rising borrowing costs.
2
Q
What economic principles guided Cameron’s austerity policy?
A
Fiscal responsibility, a commitment to free trade, and reducing public spending to control the national deficit.
3
Q
What major economic support policy was introduced by the Conservatives during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A
The furlough scheme, which paid a portion of workers’ wages to prevent mass unemployment during lockdowns.
4
Q
What changes have the Conservatives made to the corporation tax and national living wage?
A
Corporation tax was increased from 19% to 25%, and the national living wage was also raised.
5
Q
What is Kemi Badenoch’s stance on economic policy?
A
Kemi Badenoch supports free market economics, opposes excessive regulation, and champions capitalism, stating that “Capitalism is not a dirty word, wealth is not a dirty word, profit is not a dirty word.”
6
Q
What is meant by ‘Thatcherism’ in economic terms?
A
Thatcherism refers to policies of mass privatisation, deregulation, and a laissez-faire economic approach.
7
Q
What was the significance of the Telecommunications Act 1984?
A
It privatised British Telecom, making it a private company and part of Thatcher’s broader privatisation agenda.
8
Q
What was the Housing Act 1980, and what impact did it have?
A
The Housing Act 1980 introduced the “Right to Buy,” allowing council tenants to purchase their homes at discounts of up to 60%. Over 2 million homes were sold by 1997.
9
Q
How did the Financial Services Act 1986 change the financial sector?
A
It allowed foreign firms to trade on the London Stock Exchange and ended fixed commissions for stockbrokers, increasing competitiveness.
10
Q
What were the Gas Act 1986 and Electricity Act 1989, and what did they accomplish?
A
These acts privatised British Gas and the electricity industry, splitting them into competing firms to foster market competition.
11
Q
What was the Poll Tax, and why was it controversial?
A
Introduced in Scotland in 1989 and in England/Wales in 1990, the Poll Tax replaced property taxes with a flat-rate tax per individual, meaning people paid the same amount regardless of income—criticised as unfair to the poor.
12
Q
What approach have the Conservatives taken toward welfare since 2010?
A
They imposed a cap on benefits, froze benefit rates from 2010 to 2019, and introduced cuts to public services.
13
Q
How did the Conservatives change the role of the private sector in public services?
A
They increased private sector competition in public services to improve efficiency and reduce public spending.
14
Q
Despite austerity, what did the Conservatives promise regarding the NHS and education?
A
They promised to increase funding for the NHS and education and aimed to reduce waiting lists.
15
Q
What was the Conservative Party’s 2019 pledge on policing?
A
They promised to increase the number of police officers, reversing cuts made over the previous decade.
16
Q
What changes were made to police powers and civil liberties under Conservative rule?
A
The Conservatives increased stop and search powers and introduced limitations on the right to protest.
17
Q
How were individual liberties affected during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A
There were restrictions on individual liberty, including enforced mask-wearing and bans on public gatherings.
18
Q
What legal reforms did the Conservatives pursue concerning human rights?
A
They proposed a new Bill of Rights that would curtail some freedoms under the Human Rights Act and threatened to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
19
Q
What is the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023?
A
It is a law that imposes minimum service levels during strikes to reduce disruption, which Labour has pledged to repeal.
20
Q
What has been the Conservative stance on national defence and alliances?
A
The Conservatives have maintained a commitment to strong armed forces, the nuclear deterrent, and membership in NATO.
21
Q
What was the Conservatives’ key slogan and policy regarding the EU?
A
“Get Brexit Done” was the slogan, focusing on completing the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
22
Q
How did the Conservatives change the UK’s foreign aid budget?
A
They reduced the foreign aid budget to 0.5% of GDP, down from the previous commitment of 0.7%.
23
Q
What is the Rwanda asylum scheme and the ‘stop the boats’ policy?
A
The Rwanda scheme involves sending asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing, part of a broader initiative to stop illegal Channel crossings, known as the “stop the boats” campaign.
24
Q
What major healthcare reform did Labour implement in 1948?
A
Under Clement Attlee’s post-war government, Labour established the National Health Service (NHS), providing free healthcare for all.
25
What educational reform was introduced under Harold Wilson?
Harold Wilson’s Labour government established the Open University to provide higher education opportunities to people from poorer backgrounds.
26
What was the top income tax rate under James Callaghan’s Labour government?
The highest income tax rate under Callaghan reached 83%.
27
What internal divisions exist within the Labour Party under Keir Starmer?
The party is divided, with left-wing members criticizing Starmer for adopting policies they see as influenced by the hard-right, such as welfare cuts and stricter immigration policies.
28
What evidence exists of left-wing opposition to Starmer’s welfare stance?
42 Labour MPs signed an open letter opposing cuts to disability payments (PIP).
29
What is Labour’s stance on the voting age?
Labour plans to lower the voting age to 16 for general elections.
30
What is Labour’s proposed change to the defence budget?
Labour intends to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, funded by cuts to overseas aid.
31
What changes has Labour proposed regarding private education?
Labour proposes applying VAT to private schools to raise funds for state education.
32
What is Great British Energy, and what is its purpose?
Great British Energy is a proposed publicly-owned company to invest in clean energy projects and help drive the transition to net-zero.
33
What is Labour’s current stance on rail transport?
Labour supports the nationalisation of the railways.
34
What are the Liberal Democrats’ core economic principles?
They support a fair, prosperous, and innovative economy that promotes wellbeing, fair taxation, job creation, and fiscal responsibility.
35
What is the Liberal Democrats’ view on welfare and public services?
They support fair access to quality public services and a strong social safety net.
36
What health care reforms do the Liberal Democrats propose?
They aim to reduce NHS waiting times, improve access to GPs, expand mental health support, and recruit more medical professionals.
37
What are the Liberal Democrats’ education policies?
They support restoring community policing, investing in the criminal justice system, and improving rehabilitation services.
38
How do the Liberal Democrats aim to improve civil liberties in law enforcement?
They advocate reforming stop and search powers to reduce racial profiling and oppose excessive government surveillance.
39
What is the Liberal Democrats’ position on the EU?
They support rejoining the EU Single Market and were strong advocates of remaining in the EU during the 2016 referendum.
40
What international institutions do the Liberal Democrats support?
They support NATO, the UN, the EU, and the WTO.
41
What is the party’s position on nuclear weapons?
The Liberal Democrats oppose renewing the Trident nuclear missile system.
42
What was the Liberal Democrats’ refugee policy in their 2017 manifesto?
They pledged to take in 50,000 Syrian refugees by 2020.
43
What is the Lib Dems current stance on the Gaza conflict?
In 2024, they advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
44
What happened when the Liberal Democrats opposed the Mansion Tax in 2013?
Though previously in favor, they opposed it during the coalition with Conservatives, causing discontent among their traditional voters and damaging their credibility.
45
What was the Liberal Democrats’ position on the ‘Snooper’s Charter’?
They opposed the Communications Data Bill, arguing it threatened civil liberties and privacy.
46
What education policy did the Liberal Democrats champion during the coalition?
They introduced the Pupil Premium, providing extra funding for schools with disadvantaged pupils.
47
How did the Liberal Democrats respond to welfare cuts during the coalition?
While part of the coalition, they expressed concern over the impact of austerity on vulnerable people and worked to reduce the severity of welfare cuts.
48
What was controversial about the Liberal Democrats’ Brexit policy in the 2019 general election?
They pledged to cancel Brexit without a second referendum, which was seen by some as undemocratic and contrary to their usual support for respecting public opinion.
49
What is the SNP’s stance on NHS pay and public health services?
The SNP government offered NHS Scotland staff a pay rise of at least 4%, rejecting the UK government's 1% proposal. They are committed to keeping the NHS public and improving mental health services.
50
What law and order reforms has the SNP supported?
They pushed for the end of VAT charges on police and fire services, which led to a UK Government refund of £175 million. They also increased Police Scotland’s day-to-day budget by 5.6%.
51
What is the SNP’s economic stance on taxation?
The SNP believes in a proportional tax burden—taxation based on the ability to pay.
52
What economic investments has the SNP supported?
They backed £372 million for Scottish Freeports and investment zones, and £1.15 billion into growth deals.
53
What is the SNP’s position on foreign policy?
They support rejoining the EU and advocate for Scottish independence, setting them apart from other UK parties.
54
Who are the current co-leaders of the Green Party?
Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) and Adrian Ramsay (Waveney Valley).
55
What welfare reforms does the Green Party propose?
Replacing PIP payments with vouchers, introducing a Universal Basic Income, building 150,000 better-insulated homes, reducing NHS waiting lists, and improving access to NHS dentists.
56
What are the Green Party’s education funding policies?
Increase school funding by £8 billion and allocate £2 billion for teacher pay increases.
57
What is the Green Party’s stance on cannabis and youth policing?
They support legalising cannabis and de-prioritising stop-and-searches of young people.
58
How does the Green Party plan to reduce knife crime?
By improving emergency health access and fixing CCTV blind spots, particularly in cities like Bristol.
59
What legal changes does the Green Party advocate regarding protests?
They want to scrap the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, the Public Order Act, and any laws restricting protest and free expression.
60
What are the Green Party’s key economic proposals?
Introduce a wealth tax on the top 1%, special taxes on large banks, raise the minimum wage to £15/hour, and phase out fossil fuels and nuclear power.
61
What is the Green Party’s stance on workers' rights and work culture?
Repeal anti-union laws, introduce a Charter of Workers’ Rights, and move to a 4-day working week.
62
What media regulation does the Green Party support?
No individual or company should own more than 20% of any media market.
63
What are the Green Party’s nationalisation policies?
Nationalise railways, water companies, and the "Big 5" energy provid
64
What are the Greens higher education and housing policies?
Scrap university tuition fees, introduce rent controls, and ban no-fault evictions.
65
What are two additional Green Party social policies?
Extend voting rights to 16-year-olds and ban all blood sports including trail hunting.
66
What electoral reform does Reform UK support?
Abolishing First Past the Post (FPTP) and introducing Proportional Representation (PR).
67
What is Reform UK's position on the House of Lords?
They want to replace it with a representative, elected second chamber.
68
What is an example of the two-party system affecting minor parties like Reform UK?
Rishi Sunak said, “A vote for Reform is a vote for Starmer,” illustrating how votes for minor parties are seen as wasted under FPTP.
69
What evidence shows the growing influence of Reform UK?
In the 2024 general election, the Conservatives lost 23% of their vote share to Reform UK.
70
How did the 2021 London Mayoral election reflect minor party influence?
Independent candidates like Niko Omilana, Count Binface, and Max Fosh gained notable public attention, demonstrating minor party reach.
71
What were the major party standings in polling as of May 2024?
Labour: 44%, Conservatives: 24%, Reform UK: 11%, Lib Dems: 10%, Greens: 6%, SNP: 3%, Plaid Cymru: 1%.
72
What did the March 2025 YouGov voting intention survey show?
Labour: 24%, Reform UK: 23%, Conservatives: 22%, Lib Dems: 15%, Greens: 9%, SNP: 3%, Plaid Cymru: 1%, Other: 3%.
73
What internal Labour split led to the formation of a new party in the 1980s?
In 1981, four Labour MPs left to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP), weakening Labour in the 1983 election.
74
How did Conservative divisions over Europe affect the 1997 election?
Divisions under John Major helped lead to a Labour landslide victory.
75
What were the consequences of Theresa May’s Brexit divisions in 2017?
Deep internal conflict over Brexit weakened her government and led to a loss of majority.
76
How did Boris Johnson respond to internal Conservative dissent in 2019?
He suspended moderate Tories and appointed a hard-Brexit Cabinet to present a united front.
77
What was the controversy around Huawei and Johnson’s government in 2020?
Conservative MPs opposed the Huawei 5G plan over security concerns, forcing Johnson to abandon it.
78
What recent issue caused division within Labour (2023–2024)?
Disagreements over the Israel-Palestine conflict led to the exit of several Labour MPs including Naz Shah and Jess Phillips.
79
What divided the Conservative Party under Sunak in 2023–2024?
The Rwanda asylum scheme created friction between Sunak and Suella Braverman, alongside economic policy shifts after Liz Truss’s resignation.
80
How many MPs announced they were stepping down by 2025?
Around 1 in 5 MPs: over 70 Conservatives, more than 20 Labour, and 9 SNP MPs.
81
What was the media portrayal of Neil Kinnock in 1992 and how did it affect Labour?
Negative — The Sun ran “Will the last person to leave Britain please turn out the lights,” portraying Kinnock as unfit for office. This reflected poor valence and damaged Labour’s credibility.
82
What major decisions damaged Tony Blair’s valence post-2001?
The Iraq War and the increase in tuition fees significantly damaged his public image and trust.
83
What slogan helped Boris Johnson secure a majority in 2019?
“Get Brexit Done” — it provided clear messaging, unlike Theresa May’s soft Brexit approach, and united the Conservatives, helping them win an 80-seat majority.
84
What scandal undermined Boris Johnson’s leadership and valence?
Partygate — the breaking of lockdown rules severely damaged public trust.
85
What controversy hit Rishi Sunak at the start of the 2024 campaign?
He left a D-Day commemoration early to film a Channel 4 interview, causing public outrage and weakening his valence.
86
What electoral impact has Sunak’s low valence had?
It contributed to a major Conservative loss in the 2024 local elections.
87
What is the shared economic priority of Labour and Conservatives?
Both parties are against further tax rises; Labour prioritises economic stability, and Conservatives promise tax cuts if they win the next election.
88
What is the stance of Labour and Conservatives on Universal Credit?
Labour supports retaining it but wants to reform it, while the Conservatives support the current structure
89
How do Labour and Conservatives compare on NHS waiting lists?
Labour plans 40,000 extra appointments per week funded by closing the non-dom tax loophole. Conservatives also promise to cut waiting lists but lack a detailed plan.
90
What controversial benefit cap do both parties support?
The two-child benefit cap — in July 2024, seven Labour MPs lost the whip after voting with the SNP to abolish it.
91
What is Labour’s stance on tuition fees as of 2023?
Labour has no plans to abolish them, stating the country cannot afford such a policy.
92
What is the shared stance of Labour and the Conservatives on Israel in the Gaza conflict?
Both strongly support Israel’s right to self-defence and maintain a broadly pro-Israel position.
93
What did Keir Starmer controversially say in October 2023 about Israel’s conduct in Gaza?
He defended Israel’s "right to withhold water" from Palestinians during an LBC interview — despite this being a breach of human rights.
94
How did Labour’s position on Gaza lead to internal conflict?
In November 2023, 56 Labour MPs voted for a ceasefire motion (against party orders), leading to 10 frontbench resignations including Jess Phillips.
95
How many councillors resigned over Labour’s Gaza stance, and what was a notable local impact?
Over 70 councillors resigned, including 9 in Oxford, which led to Labour losing control of the city council.
96
What was the response of key Labour Mayors to the Gaza situation?
Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham called for a ceasefire but were not disciplined due to their importance in major urban areas.
97
What is the UK bipartisan stance on Ukraine?
Both Labour and Conservatives support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
98
What peace development occurred in April 2025, and how did Labour respond?
A temporary ceasefire was declared in Ukraine, which Keir Starmer publicly supported and linked to peace negotiations with the US and Russia.
99
What was the joint decision by Sunak and Starmer regarding youth mobility in the EU?
Both initially rejected an EU deal for youth free movement, but by May 2025, a new deal was accepted allowing UK-EU youth travel.
100
What historical example shows Labour's past division over foreign policy?
Under Jeremy Corbyn, Labour was deeply divided over Israel-Palestine, with Corbyn criticised for alleged antisemitism.
101
How does Starmer’s current stance compare with Corbyn’s on foreign policy?
Starmer presents a unified front aligned with Conservative and US foreign policy, avoiding internal dissent before the general election.
102
Why might both major UK parties be aligning more closely with US foreign policy?
To maintain economic and strategic relations; historically, deviation (e.g., protests against Iraq War) risks economic and diplomatic fallout, similar to Blair's controversial but loyal support for the US in 2003.
103
What is a single-party system and where is it typically found?
A political system where one party controls all political power and suppresses opposition. Example: North Korea. It provides stability but undermines political freedom.
104
What is a two-party system? Provide examples
Dominated by two major parties, common in FPTP systems. Examples: UK (Conservatives vs. Labour), USA (Democrats vs. Republicans).
105
What is a major disadvantage of the two-party system under FPTP?
"Wasted votes" — smaller parties rarely win seats, limiting voter choice and representation.
106
What defines a multi-party system, and where is it common?
Several parties share power, often under PR systems (e.g., Germany: CDU, SPD, Greens, FDP). It offers broader representation but may cause unstable coalitions.
107
How did the SNP disrupt traditional party identity in the UK?
In 2015, the SNP won 56 of 59 Scottish seats, showing how regional nationalism can realign national politics.
108
Name two recent political funding scandals.
1997 Ecclestone Affair, 2024 Frank Hester scandal — both raised concerns over elite influence and transparency.
109
What act governs political donations in the UK?
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000) — aims to ensure transparency.
110
What does Transparency International say about "dark money"?
Nearly £1 in every £10 of political donations comes from unknown or dubious sources due to legal loopholes.
111
What evidence supports the rise of populism in UK politics?
UKIP and later the Brexit Party, and the resurgence of Reform UK under Nigel Farage (from 65K to 230K members between July 2024 and April 2025).
112
How has social media contributed to political fragmentation?
Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow leaders like Farage to bypass traditional media and directly engage younger audiences.
113
What is a recent example of low voter engagement in the UK?
The 2024 General Election had a turnout of 59.7%, 7.6% lower than in 2019, despite party-led campaigns encouraging participation.
114
Do parties still effectively represent voters?
Increasingly contested. Regional and populist parties (e.g., SNP, Reform UK) fill gaps left by traditional parties, suggesting a shift.
115
Have parties been effective in encouraging participation recently?
Mixed. Reform UK grew from 5,000 to 200,000+ members in 2024–25. However, overall turnout in the 2024 election was low (59.7%).
116
How is Keir Starmer’s leadership style and ideological position generally described?
Starmer is seen as a centrist with a pragmatic approach, blending elements of both ‘Old Labour’ and ‘New Labour’ traditions, while promoting his own vision focusing on fiscal responsibility and economic growth alongside progressive social policies.
117
How does Starmer’s position compare to the average Labour MP?
He is typically placed slightly to the right of the average Labour MP, emphasizing a pro-business stance and economic growth as essential for funding public services.
118
What is Starmer’s approach to reducing NHS waiting times, and what does it signal?
He aims to reduce NHS waiting times without dramatically increasing public spending, signaling competence and fiscal prudence.
119
What does the plan to build 1.5 million new homes using private construction companies represent?
It reflects a centrist economic intervention that addresses market failure while maintaining good relations with private developers, borrowing from New Labour’s ‘third way’ philosophy.
120
What is the significance of launching a nationalised energy company under Starmer?
This is an Old Labour-style policy reflecting public ownership and symbolic of his commitment to tackling climate change.
121
How does maintaining the two-child benefit cap fit into Starmer’s political stance?
It is a right-of-centre economic stance prioritizing economic progression over social justice, potentially aimed at winning back working-class swing voters
122
What does Starmer’s tougher stance on immigration and crime indicate?
It shows a willingness to challenge traditional leftist positions to appeal to centrist and right-leaning Labour voters, especially those from the Red Wall constituencies.
123
Why did Starmer scale back the original £28 billion-a-year green investment pledge?
Due to economic conditions and a focus on electability and economic credibility, Starmer adopted cautious realism, prioritizing stability over traditional party environmental ambitions.
124
What were Jeremy Corbyn’s main ideological stances?
Corbyn represented an Old Labour revival with democratic socialism, anti-austerity policies, high public spending, strong union ties, grassroots focus, and an anti-interventionist foreign policy.
125
How does Starmer’s leadership compare overall to Blair and Corbyn?
Starmer combines centrism with fiscal responsibility, mixing progressive values with cautious economic policies. He emphasizes competence, delivery, broad electability, and reconnecting with traditional and Red Wall voters.
126
What was Blair’s approach to economic policy?
Blair accepted Conservative spending plans initially, promoted public-private partnerships (PFI), and avoided large-scale nationalisation.
127
How did Corbyn’s economic policy differ?
Corbyn proposed big state investment (£250 billion over 10 years), re-nationalisation of key industries like rail and energy, and raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
128
What characterizes Starmer’s economic policies?
Starmer has scaled back green investment pledges, supports selective state intervention (e.g., Great British Energy), opposes broad nationalisation, and focuses on economic stability and growth.
129
What was Tony Blair’s stance on immigration and crime?
Blair managed migration with policies like points-based systems and promoted being "tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime."
130
How did Corbyn approach immigration and crime?
Corbyn took a liberal stance on immigration, focusing on police accountability and investment in communities.
131
What are the key features of Starmer’s immigration and crime policies?
Starmer adopts a tougher stance on illegal immigration and crime, aims to rebuild trust in law and order among working-class voters, and balances security concerns with rights protections.
132
What was Boris Johnson’s major campaign promise in the 2019 general election, and what was the outcome?
He promised to "Get Brexit Done" and won with an 80-seat majority.
133
What major scandal undermined Boris Johnson’s leadership, leading to his resignation in July 2022?
The ‘Partygate’ scandal involving parties during COVID restrictions.
134
What was the ‘Levelling Up’ agenda introduced by Boris Johnson?
A One Nation policy aimed at reducing regional inequalities through investment in infrastructure, education, and local economies, especially in northern England.
135
How would you describe Liz Truss’s political ideology and major economic policy in 2022?
She represented the New Right and introduced the 2022 mini-budget which included abolishing the 45% top rate of income tax.
136
What challenges did Rishi Sunak face after taking over from Liz Truss?
He focused on economic stability but struggled with party unity and leadership, ultimately resigning after the party lost two-thirds of its seats in the 2024 election.
137
How many seats did the Conservative Party win under Rishi Sunak in 2024, and how did this compare to 2019?
They won 121 seats in 2024, down from 365 seats in 2019, a loss of 244 seats.
138
What was Rishi Sunak’s key policy to address inflation and economic challenges?
The One Nation cost-of-living support package, providing direct financial assistance to households affected by inflation.
139
How is Kemi Badenoch’s political stance described, and which former leader is she compared to?
She is associated with the New Right and compared to Margaret Thatcher for her political style.
140
Who are the main figures leading the New Right faction challenging Rishi Sunak’s leadership?
Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Lee Anderson.
141
What criticisms does the New Right faction level at Rishi Sunak’s One Nation approach?
They argue his economic policies lack ambition and betray core right-wing principles, pushing instead for a return to free-market policies.
142
How has the ideological split between One Nation and New Right factions affected the Conservative Party?
It has deepened party divisions, particularly after the 2024 election defeat, complicating leadership and policy direction.
143
Who currently leads Reform UK and who is the deputy leader?
Nigel Farage is the leader and Richard Tice is the deputy leader (Tice was formerly leader before Farage).
144
How many MPs does Reform UK currently have and can you name a few?
They have 5 MPs including Nigel Farage, Richard Tice, Lee Anderson, James McMurdock, and Sarah Pochin.
145
What notable electoral success did Reform UK achieve in May 2025?
Sarah Pochin won a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby with a majority of 6, and the party took control of 10 local authorities and 2 mayoralties.
146
What internal divisions has Reform UK experienced?
Split over Tommy Robinson’s presence, especially regarding anti-immigration views and the Assisted Dying Bill (Farage opposed, Tice supported).
147
What are some key tax policy proposals of Reform UK?
Raising income tax thresholds (£20,000 personal allowance, £70,000 higher rate), abolishing stamp duty under £750,000, and inheritance tax exemptions below £2 million.
148
How does Reform UK propose to handle student loans and private education?
Scrap interest on student loans, extend repayment to 45 years, and provide 20% tax relief on private schooling.
149
What infrastructure priorities does Reform UK have?
Focus on rail and road infrastructure in coastal regions, Wales, the North, and Midlands.
150
What is Reform UK’s stance on public ownership?
Proposes 50% public ownership of public utilities and critical infrastructure, with the other 50% owned by UK pension funds.
151
How does Reform UK plan to adjust corporation tax?
Cut corporation tax from 25% to 20% immediately, then further reduce to 15% by the third year of Parliament.
152
What major industrial nationalisation has Reform UK called for?
Renationalisation of British Steel to protect British workers.
153
How does Reform UK plan to fund its policies?
By scrapping net zero subsidies and ending interest payments on quantitative easing reserves to banks.
154
What is Reform UK’s plan to eradicate NHS waiting lists?
Increase NHS funding by £17 billion per year, increase private sector involvement, offer tax breaks to nurses and doctors, reduce taxes on private healthcare, and offer healthcare vouchers.
155
How does Reform UK approach public spending and welfare benefits?
Enact cuts to working-age benefits and reduce other public spending.
156
What immigration policies does Reform UK support?
Freeze non-essential legal immigration, end settlement of illegal immigrants, return migrants crossing the Channel back to France, and raise employers’ National Insurance to 20% for foreign workers to encourage hiring British workers.
157
What fisheries policies does Reform UK advocate?
Stop EU fleets from taking British fishing quotas, ban large supertrawlers, and implement other fisheries protections.
158
What is Reform UK’s stance on foreign aid?
Cut foreign aid budget by half.
159
What policing policies does Reform UK propose?
Increase police officers by 40,000 over five years, institute zero-tolerance policing on crime and antisocial behaviour.
160
What are Reform UK’s defence spending plans?
Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in three years, then 3% over the next three, recruiting 30,000 additional army personnel.
161
What major legal treaty does Reform UK want to leave?
The European Convention on Human Rights.
162
What educational reforms does Reform UK support?
Introduce a “patriotic curriculum” covering imperialism and slavery with non-European examples.
163
What agricultural policies does Reform UK promote?
Increase farming budget to £3 billion, focus on small farms, and encourage young people into farming.
164
What changes does Reform UK propose for the UK’s political system?
Replace the House of Lords with a smaller, more democratic alternative and hold a referendum on switching from first-past-the-post to proportional representation.
165
What is Reform UK’s position on the TV licence fee?
They propose to eliminate the TV licence fee.
166
How does Reform UK view net zero policies?
They reject net zero, calling it “the greatest act of negligence,” and plan to increase gas and oil drilling.
167
What energy policies does Reform UK support?
Fast-track clean nuclear energy and shale gas licences.
168
How does Reform UK address environmental protection?
Support tree planting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics, despite rejecting net zero.
169
What is Reform UK’s stance on low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs)?
Vow to reverse LTNs in all councils they control.
