The 2024 UK general election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 4, 2024. This election will determine the composition of the House of Commons and ultimately decide the next government of the United Kingdom.
July 4, 2024.
7 AM to 10 PM.
For the first time, voters will need to present an accepted form of photo ID at polling stations.
The current government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is facing significant challenges. The Conservative Party has been in power since 2010, but recent years have seen a series of political crises, including the aftermath of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the controversial economic measures introduced by Sunak's predecessor, Liz Truss.
These events have contributed to the Conservatives' declining popularity, as reflected in recent local elections where Labour and the Liberal Democrats made substantial gains (Wikipedia) (GOV.UK) (Parliament UK).
Economy: The economy is a central issue, with Labour criticizing the Conservatives' handling of economic policies, especially following the financial instability caused by Truss's mini-budget. Despite some positive economic indicators, many households are still struggling with high costs of living and mortgage rates (The Independent).
The Conservative Party is emphasizing its controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, which Labour has criticized as ineffective and a mere gimmick. This issue is expected to be a major point of contention during the campaign (The Independent).
Both major parties acknowledge the housing crisis, with Labour promising to build 1.5 million new homes within the first five years if elected. The Conservatives have been criticized for stagnating homeownership during their tenure (The Independent).
The Conservatives have scaled back several green policies, aiming for a pragmatic approach that balances consumer needs and environmental goals. Labour, on the other hand, proposes significant investment in sustainable energy through the creation of a state-owned company, Great British Energy (The Independent).
Polls suggest a strong lead for the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, who has been ahead in the polls since late 2021. This lead is due in part to public dissatisfaction with the Conservative government over the last few years.
Labour's gains in recent local elections further indicate a possible shift in power (Wikipedia) (The Independent). This general election is highly anticipated as it may result in significant political changes in the UK, depending on the outcomes of these key issues and the public's sentiment towards the current government.