New Government Formed As UK Voters Elect Diverse Coalition
Areas of Focus
With the outcome of the 2024 United Kingdom general election having just been announced, we revisit some of the proposals laid out by each candidate on crucial topics. From economic management and public services to immigration and law and order, the election has shaped up to be a contest of starkly divergent visions for the future direction of the country.
Despite the governing Conservatives’ efforts to retain power after over a decade in office, opposition parties put forward their own blueprints for tackling the country’s challenges, with Labour winning a majority of 412 seats. Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and regional parties like Plaid Cymru in Wales all sought to offer voters a clear alternative to the existing government.
A heavy focus on the economy, the National Health Service, immigration controls, housing supply and criminal justice reform are key battlegrounds. Voters weighed which party’s approach they found the most compelling as they cast their ballots in the July election.
Economic and Immigration Policies
On the economy, the Conservatives pledged to maintain current levels of day-to-day school funding, though this could put pressure on other unprotected areas like local government. Labour, meanwhile, proposed to raise taxes on private schools to fund 6,500 new teacher hires and free primary school breakfast clubs.
The Liberal Democrats offered a “lifelong skills grant” to help adults retrain, while the Greens wanted to scrap university tuition fees entirely.
Immigration is another major dividing line, with the Conservatives vowing to immediately restart deportation flights to Rwanda and slash net migration levels. Labour says they will also reduce migration, but without specifying targets, and scrap the Rwanda scheme.
In contrast, the Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru, and Greens all promised to expand safe and legal routes for asylum seekers and refugees.
Housing and Security Schemes
On housing, the Tories have set a target of 1.6 million new homes, but will not restore mandatory council building targets. Labour, however, would reintroduce those targets and allow some green belt development.
The Lib Dems, Plaid, and Greens have gone further, proposing mass social housing construction, a “right to adequate housing,” and measures to requisition empty properties.
Finally, on crime and policing, the Conservatives want 8,000 new officers and more facial recognition tech, while Labour is focused on neighborhood teams and tackling low-level offenses. The Lib Dems favor rehabilitation over punishment, and the Greens want a review of drug laws.
Voters had trouble making their decision, especially after an overwhelmingly negative response to the current Conservatives and their term. Ian, a voter, voiced his opinion.
My concern? That the country is going to go to hell in a handbasket, no matter which party wins.
The Guardian/Ian (British citizen and voter)
Across the board, the parties offered voters starkly different visions of the state’s role, the balance between economic growth and redistribution, and the appropriate approach to issues like immigration, housing, and criminal justice.
Following this, the 2024 UK general election results have resulted in a dramatic shift in the political landscape, with Labour emerging as the dominant force. According to the final results, Labour has secured 412 seats, a significant increase of 209 seats compared to their previous performance in the 2019 election.
In contrast, the Conservative Party has experienced a substantial decline, winning only 121 seats — a staggering drop of 244 seats from their 2019 total of 365 seats.
The Liberal Democrats have made substantial gains, increasing their seat count to 71, a rise of 60 seats. The Scottish National Party, however, has seen a decline, securing 9 seats, down from 48 in the previous election.
Smaller parties have also made their mark, with Reform UK winning 5 seats and the Green Party of England and Wales securing 4 seats.
The election outcome reflects the electorate’s desire for change and a move away from the status quo. The new, diverse composition of the House of Commons is set to shape the political landscape in the years to come.
