UK general election: From immigration to cost of living, the key issues for voters

In the United Kingdom, a record-breaking number of over 4,000 candidates are actively campaigning for the
upcoming general election on July 4.
Recent polls indicate a potential shift in power towards the Labour Party, ending over a decade of Conservative leadership.

However, tensions are rising due to the
growing popularity of the hard-right Reform party,
led by populist figure
Nigel Farage,
which is expected to surpass its performance in the 2019 elections under its previous name, the Brexit Party.

Key issues dominating the agenda include economic stagnation, a housing crisis, rising living costs, immigration policies, and concerns regarding foreign policy.

A look at the key issues as UK heads to polls in a week

The state of the UK economy

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has positioned the Conservative Party as the party of the future, emphasising economic stability and national security. He asserts that the Conservatives’ extensive experience in government makes them better suited to lead the country compared to Labour.

Sunak has made
significant promises to grow the economy
and halve inflation, a goal he has nearly achieved. However, the cost of living crisis remains a critical issue, affecting working-class voters across all political affiliations.

Sunak’s government has had to manage the economy amid high inflation, driven partly by the war in Ukraine and subsequent energy price spikes.

Although wages are now rising faster than prices, economic growth remains sluggish due to weak investment, slow productivity, and a labor shortage. The national debt is at levels not seen since the 1960s, and the government faces high costs to service this debt.

Sunak’s fiscal policies include a promise of £17 billion ($21.6 billion) per year in tax cuts, including a 2 per cent reduction in National Insurance contributions. This is contrasted with Labour’s approach, which involves reforming the National Health Service (NHS), home-building, and the energy sector, funded by £7.4 billion ($9.4 billion) in tax increases.

Also Read:
Rishi Sunak to become first sitting UK PM to lose own seat in election, forecasts opinion poll

Labour leader Keir Starmer’s party,
currently topping the polls, criticises the Conservative Party for failing to address the economic needs of working families.

Labour is seen as more trustworthy with the economy, with a More in Common thinktank survey indicating that 65 per cent of voters perceive the Tories as favouring the rich. Starmer has pledged substantial investment in public services and aims to reform critical sectors, promising a more equitable economic plan.

The crisis at the NHS

The NHS is in a state of crisis, characterised by record waiting lists, staff shortages, and deteriorating facilities. The average Briton now waits several weeks for non-urgent care, and the waiting list for hospital treatment exceeds 7 million cases, reported Reuters.

NHS dental care is also facing significant issues, with an estimated 12 million Britons unable to access necessary dental services.

The Conservatives have struggled to address these problems, facing criticism for not sufficiently funding the NHS or resolving strikes by healthcare workers. In their election manifesto, the Conservatives have promised to increase the NHS budget, but many view these efforts as insufficient and delayed.

Labour has promised to cut NHS waiting times by adding 40,000 more health appointments each week and doubling the number of cancer scanners to reduce treatment delays.

Starmer’s party aims to address disparities in healthcare access, particularly in rural and urban areas, and to invest in improving working conditions and pay for healthcare staff. Labour’s commitment to reforming the NHS is a central part of their election campaign, resonating with voters who prioritise healthcare.

Immigration, deportation & asylum

Immigration remains a contentious issue in British politics, significantly influencing the 2016 Brexit vote. The Conservative government has made it a priority to reduce irregular immigration, notably through a controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Despite the plan being blocked multiple times by courts, Sunak maintains that the first flight will depart by July 24 if the Conservatives win the election.

Sunak’s government has also focused on reducing small boat crossings in the English Channel, a topic of concern for both “red wall” voters and traditional Tory supporters. However, the high daily toll of arrivals continues to challenge the government’s policies.

Labour has promised to scrap the Rwanda plan if elected, aiming instead to reduce net migration without detailed specifics. The party highlighted a fair and humane immigration policy, aligning with its broader progressive values.

In contrast, Nigel Farage’s Reform Party adopts a hardline stance on immigration, blaming it for various societal issues, including the housing crisis. Farage’s populist approach appeals to voters who believe immigration negatively impacts society.

Housing crisis hits close to home

The UK faces a severe housing crisis, with
property prices and rents soaring
and a significant shortage of affordable homes.

The Conservatives have been unable to meet their target of building 300,000 new homes annually and have faced criticism for not addressing unfair evictions. The 2022 mini-budget exacerbated the crisis, with mortgage repayments rising for millions of homeowners.

The number of temporary accommodations due to the social housing shortage rose by 89 per cent over a decade, highlighting the growing pressure on local councils. Austerity measures have further strained the housing sector, reducing the budget for local government and support for new housing.

Labour has pledged to restore local house-building targets and aims to construct 1.5 million new homes in the coming years. The party plans to ensure that 50 per cent of all new homes are affordable while protecting green spaces.

Starmer insists that delivering affordable housing is integral to Labour’s mission, appealing to progressive voters in urban areas. This commitment contrasts sharply with the Conservative pledge to build 1.6 million new homes, which many view skeptically given past failures.

The divider-in-chief: Climate change

Climate policy represents a significant dividing line between the main parties. Sunak’s government has rolled back key climate policies, delaying the phase-out of fossil fuel cars and scrapping the northern leg of HS2. This approach reflects a more conservative stance on environmental issues, prioritising economic growth over aggressive climate action.

Labour, on the other hand, links the climate crisis with the cost of living, advocating for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering energy bills.

Starmer’s party proposes investing in renewable energy and home insulation to drive green growth and attract investment. However, Starmer faced criticism for halving his £28 billion green investment plan, a move seen as a concession to avoid Conservative attacks.

Also Read:
Why going to private schools in the UK will cost more if Keir Starmer’s Labour wins

The outcome of the election will determine how these critical issues are addressed, shaping the future of the UK.  Suffice to say, for the party that emerges victorious in the UK general election, there is no honeymoon period.

With inputs from agencies

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