UK general elections: Which are the main parties, what are their key plans?
Al Jazeera
Political parties are vying for votes, with promises covering taxes, immigration and even re-joining the EU.
The United Kingdom is heading to the polls on July 4 after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced snap elections on May 22.
Parties vying for the 650 seats in the House of Commons, the lower house of the UK Parliament, have all released manifestos detailing where they stand on issues including the economy, the National Health Service (NHS), immigration and the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
The last general election in the UK was in December 2019 when Boris Johnson led the ruling Conservative Party back to power. After Sunak’s announcement, parliament was dissolved on May 30 and the country entered a period known as “purdah”, during which time civil servants and local governments must refrain from making any announcements about new initiatives or plans that might be seen as advantageous for one particular political party. Purdah does not restrict political candidates from canvassing for votes, however.
These are the main political parties – and the promises they are making – in the lead-up to the general election:
Also known as the Conservative and Unionist Party or, informally, the Tories or Tory Party
