Comparing Party Policies on Key Issues

This lesson provides a systematic comparison of the main UK parties' policies on the key issues that define contemporary British politics. Being able to compare and contrast party positions is essential for A-Level examination success.

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How to Compare Parties

When comparing party policies, consider:

1. What is each party's position?
2. Why do they hold that position (ideology, values, electoral strategy)?
3. How do their positions differ from each other?
4. Has the position changed over time?

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The Economy

Party	Position
Conservative	Lower taxes, smaller state, deregulation, fiscal responsibility, free-market economics
Labour	Public investment, progressive taxation, workers' rights, state intervention to reduce inequality
Liberal Democrats	Balanced approach: investment in public services funded by targeted tax increases (e.g. on banks and high earners)
Green	Green New Deal: massive public investment in renewable energy and green jobs; wealth taxes; Universal Basic Income
Reform UK	Tax cuts (raise income tax threshold to £20,000), reduce government spending, deregulation