Here are some of the key differences between the Labour and Conservative manifestos for the July 4th, 2024 General Election in the UK. It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and further nuances exist within each policy area. You can download the manifestos below.
Defence Spending
Both Labour and the Conservatives pledge to boost defence spending to meet the NATO standard of 2.5% of GDP. However, the Conservatives aim to achieve this by 2030, while Labour’s manifesto does not specify a timeline.
Nuclear Power
Labour commits to extending the lifetime of existing nuclear power plants and supporting new ones like Sizewell C and Small Modular Reactors. The Conservatives do not explicitly mention extending the lifetime of existing plants, but they do support building a third mega-nuclear power station at Wylfa.
Immigration
The Conservative manifesto proposes a legally binding cap on migration through work and family visas, aiming to reduce immigration numbers annually. Labour suggests reforming the points-based system to be fairer and link it more closely with skills policy, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas workers in certain sectors.
NHS and Social Care
Labour plans to meet NHS performance standards, aiming for patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks for consultant-led treatment. They also plan to increase NHS capacity through measures like incentivising staff for out-of-hours appointments and utilising spare capacity in the independent sector. Additionally, Labour aims to create a National Care Service to address inconsistencies and staff shortages in social care. The Conservatives focus on increasing NHS spending, recruiting more nurses and doctors, and prioritising out-of-hospital care. Their dental plan involves a patient premium to encourage dentists to take on NHS patients.
Economy and Business
Labour proposes a National Wealth Fund with a £7.3 billion capitalisation over the next parliament to support growth and clean energy missions, aiming to attract private investment. They also plan to cap corporation tax at 25% and replace the business rates system in England. The Conservatives outline a ten-point plan to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including retaining tax incentives, promoting digital invoicing, and ensuring access to funding. They also emphasize cutting taxes for businesses and individuals.
Housing
Labour aims to build 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament, with a focus on increasing social and affordable housing. They plan to update the National Policy Planning Framework and strengthen planning obligations to achieve this. The Conservatives aim to deliver 1.6 million well-designed homes in appropriate locations. They also pledge to protect the countryside and abolish Stamp Duty for first-time buyers purchasing homes up to £425,000.
Education
Labour pledges an expert-led review of curriculum and assessment, aiming for a broad and knowledge-rich curriculum. The Conservatives champion excellence in classrooms by supporting teachers in using techniques like phonics and mastery approaches. They also mandate two hours of PE per week in primary and secondary schools.
Climate Change
Labour aims to make Britain a clean energy superpower, cutting bills, creating jobs, and delivering energy independence. They plan to achieve cheaper, zero-carbon electricity by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions subsequently. Their approach involves establishing Great British Energy, investing in a Green Prosperity Plan, and implementing a Warm Homes Plan. The Conservatives emphasize a pragmatic approach to achieving net-zero emissions. They aim to leverage private sector innovation and investment in clean technologies, promoting energy efficiency measures, and reviewing alternative network technologies.
Download the Labour Party manifesto 2024 and the Conservative Party manifesto 2024 for the 2024 General Election in the UK.
General Election 2024 timetable
A general election will be held on 4 July 2024. This is the timetable of events up to and after the date of the election.
Thursday 30 May: Dissolution of Parliament
Friday 7 June: Deadline for the delivery of nomination papers
Tuesday 18 June: Voter registration deadline
Wednesday 19 June: Deadline for postal vote applications
Wednesday 26 June: Deadline for Voter Authority Certificate applications and proxy vote applications
Thursday 4 July: Polling day
Tuesday 9 July: Parliament returns for the election of the Speaker
Wednesday 17 July: State Opening of Parliament
Visit the Electoral Commission for more information.