Please note this website was created for the 2015 General Election. Due to the lack of preparation time, we have not updated this website for the 2017 Election. Why?
Based on your answers and their similarity to official policies and manifestos, the party that is most aligned to you is Liberal Democrat, followed by Green party, then Democratic Unionist party.
| AGAINST | FOR | |
|---|---|---|
| LIB DEM 15% | ||
| GREEN 14% | ||
| DUP 12% | ||
| LABOUR 11% | ||
| PLAID 11% | ||
| CONSERVATIVE 9% | ||
| SNP 8% | ||
| ALLIANCE 7% | ||
| UKIP 7% | ||
| RESPECT 6% |
Scroll down for a full breakdown, showing which of your answers match party policies.
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IMPORTANT NOTE
Although we regularly check the party manifestos against our set of questions, please understand
that their policies can change at any time, and we can't be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
CONSERVATIVE primary school class sizes are already capped at 30 http://schoolsweek.co.uk/class-size-cap-it-already-exists-say-conservatives/
GREEN PARTY The party would attempt to move gradually to smaller class sizes. They would do this by spending an additional £500 million on 15,000 new teachers. Their goal is to reduce class sizes to an average of 20 pupils. Source: Green Party Manifesto
LABOUR We want all infants of five, six and seven in classes of 30 or under Source: Tristram hunt http://schoolsweek.co.uk/class-size-cap-it-already-exists-say-conservatives/
RESPECT PARTY A radical reduction in class size
SNP We are bringing in a new legal limit on primary 1 classes in August and are committed to a progressive reduction in class sizes starting with the early years
CONSERVATIVE "Making sure all 11 year olds take rigorous tests in maths; reading; and yes – spelling, punctuation and grammar." Source: David Cameron Speech http://press.conservatives.com/post/109906886845/david-cameron-a-britain-that-gives-every-child
RESPECT PARTY A fully comprehensive school system providing a common core curriculum for all until 18. End selection. Scrap SATs and other unnecessary tests.
CONSERVATIVE 9 March 2015 - David Cameron has announced that he would open an additional 500 free schools in England over the next five years under a Conservative government, committing to an extra 270,000 school places by 2020. Source: BBC News, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-31791485
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would bring Free Schools and Academies into local authority control. Source: BBC Manifesto Watch, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
LABOUR Labour has pledged to abolish the free schools programme because they claim that it diverts funds "away from creating extra places where there is the greatest shortage". Source: BBC News, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-31791485
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The Liberal Democrats have said that "the public have them to thank for ensuring free schools 'were only set up where there was a genuine need for places'". Source: BBC , http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru would oppose free schools, academies and foundation schools. Source: BBC Manifesto Watch, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
UKIP UKIP supports the principle of Free Schools that are open to the whole community and uphold British values. Source: UKIP Website, http://www.ukip.org/policies_for_people
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would "Bring Academies and Free Schools into the Local Authority system. - See more at: https://www.greenparty.org.uk/we-stand-for/free-education.html#sthash.Mn2Vy9qd.dpuf"
LABOUR We will introduce robust local oversight of all schools through new Directors of School Standards in every local area, responsible for intervening in underperforming schools so that standards are raised.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT only fund new mainstream schools in areas where school places are needed. We will allow local authorities to select the school sponsor, where this is not the local authority itself.
PLAID CYMRU We will continue to oppose foundation schools, academies and free schools, which lack public accountability and in many cases have poor staffing practices, including lack of union recognition and weaker conditions of service for staff, as well as introducing the private sector into our education system.
UKIP UKIP supports the principle of Free Schools that are open to the whole community and uphold British values.
CONSERVATIVE making sure all 11 year olds take rigorous tests in maths; reading; and yes – spelling, punctuation and grammar Source: David Cameron Speech http://press.conservatives.com/post/109906886845/david-cameron-a-britain-that-gives-every-child Restoring rigour to the curriculum. Toughening up exams
LABOUR We will transform vocational education in our schools and colleges, with a new gold standard Technical Baccalaureate for 16 to 19-year-olds, with rigorous vocational qualifications, accredited by employers, a high quality work placement and English and maths to 18.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Complete the introduction of reformed GCSEs, while continuing to oppose Conservative plans for a return to the old O-level/CSE divide
PLAID CYMRU We support the recommendations made in the review of qualifications for 14-19 year olds to retain GCSEs and A Levels and to develop and enhance the Welsh Baccalaureate as a framework for learning for this age group Examinations should be independently regulated, including a reduction in the confusing range that pupils are allowed to sit
RESPECT PARTY Scrap SATs and other unnecessary tests
UKIP UKIP will introduce an option for students to take an Apprenticeship Qualification instead of four non-core GCSEs which can be continued at A-Level. Students can take up apprenticeships in jobs with certified professionals qualified to grade the progress of the student.
CONSERVATIVE Education secretary Michael Gove has decided to bring academies into line with private schools and the government's flagship free schools, which can hire professionals such as scientists, engineers, musicians and linguists to teach even if they do not have not have qualified teaching status (QTS). http://www.theguardian.com/education/2012/jul/27/gove-academies-unqualified-teaching-staff
GREEN PARTY Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett says that the Green Party will "work with the teaching unions, return all schools to local democratic control, reverse privatisation and ensure that all our children are taught by qualified teachers". http://nottingham.greenparty.org.uk/city.html
LABOUR "The surest way to raise standards in every lesson, in every school, is to improve the quality of teaching in the classroom. That begins with an end to David Cameron’s unqualified teachers policy" Source: Tristram Hunt, Shadow education secretary
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Guarantee all teachers in state funded schools will be fully qualified or working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Free schools and academies will not be allowed to employ unqualified teachers from September 2016.
RESPECT PARTY A qualified teacher for every class
ALLIANCE PARTY Setting a minimum target of 20% of children in integrated education by 2020, backed up by legislation which will make it easier to establish new integrated schools and help other schools to integrate.
DUP Produce a comprehensive long-term plan for the education sector including a roadmap to create a single education system.
LABOUR We will introduce robust local oversight of all schools through new Directors of School Standards in every local area, responsible for intervening in underperforming schools so that standards are raised, and commissioning new schools transparently and fairly so that there is proper planning for new school places where they are needed. http://www.labour.org.uk/issues/detail/higher-schools-standards
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Rule out profit-making schools, and only fund new mainstream schools in areas where school places are needed. We will allow local authorities to select the school sponsor, where this is not the local authority itself. Ensure fair admissions for all schools.
PLAID CYMRU We strongly believe that every child in Wales has the right to education in the Welsh language, including pupils with Special Educational Needs and we will continue to push for strengthened targets We will continue to oppose foundation schools, academies and free schools, which lack public accountability and in many cases have poor staffing practices, including lack of union recognition and weaker conditions of service for staff, as well as introducing the private sector into our education system. We will call for the Welsh government to look at moving from a per-pupil funding mechanism to a funding model based on the catchment area. It is crucial that education authorities have sufficient resources to provide Welsh medium education and adequate services for children with special educational needs
RESPECT PARTY A fully comprehensive school system providing a common core curriculum for all until 18. End selection. Scrap SATs and other unnecessary tests.
UKIP Existing schools will be allowed to apply to become grammar schools and select according to ability and aptitude. Selection ages will be flexible and determined by the school in consultation with the local authority.
DUP Review the Revised Curriculum with a view to giving principals and teachers more freedom to adapt their offering to suit the pupils' particular circumstances.
GREEN PARTY The Green Party believe that the SATS tests should be abolished, and to give teachers and their schools more freedom over the curriculum they provide for their pupils. The Green Party will encourage schools and colleges to set up Parent Forums or Parent Councils to enhance the school’s accountability and improve communication and collaboration over issues such as curriculum, provision, homework, attendance and behaviour management. Source: Green Party Manifesto
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Introduce a minimum curriculum entitlement a slimmed-down core national curriculum, which will be taught in all state-funded schools. This will include a 'curriculum for life' including financial literacy, citizenship and age-appropriate sex and relationship education.
PLAID CYMRU A single national curriculum will provide for core learning whilst enabling greater flexibility for schools and professionals to innovate, e.g. outdoor learning, third foreign language, Information Technology.
SNP We want to see local schools and their communities take more responsibility for our children's education. That will mean, for example, a greater role for head teachers.
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance is committed in principle to abolishing tuition fees for Northern Ireland students, as in Scotland, at the earliest opportunity. Source: Alliance Party 2010 Westminster Manifesto
CONSERVATIVE Conservative party Chancellor responded to the announcement by Labour who would cut university fees by £3,000 by saying, "Under this government, we've made real progress in getting students from poorer background to go to universities - something governments have been trying to do for decades. All of that progress would be at risk from this ill-thought out policy. Ed Miliband's sums don't add up because the universities would get less money and there would be fewer students so it's bad for students, bad for universities, bad for the taxpayer and bad for the British economy." Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-31648919 (BBC Politics)
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would phase in the abolition of student tuition fees in higher education. Under a Green government there would be no student loans as there would be no tuition fees and living costs would be met by Citizen's Income. Source: Green Party Manifesto
LABOUR Labour leader Ed Miliband unveiled his party's plans to cut university fees in England and Wales by £3,000 to £6,000, saying that it was a 'cast-iron' guarantee and a 'red line' in potential coalitions after the election. Source: BBC Politics, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-31648919 27th February 2015.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Lib Dem president Tim Farron said in October 2014 that they should have 'died in a ditch' to keep their pledge to axe university tuition fees, and should have made it a condition to forming a government with the Conservatives back in 2010.
PLAID CYMRU "Financial help for Wales students and no tuition fees for those studying subjects crucial to our economy such as science, technology and healthcare." Source: Plaid Cymru, http://www.partyof.wales/easy-read-manifesto/
RESPECT PARTY The Respect Party believe that 'It is completely wrong and immoral that students should now be expected to pay £9,000 a year in tuition fees to obtain a further education. Respect campaigns for an end to tuition fees. We stand up for the rights of students to campaign against cuts to their educational standards and for a free education from the cradle to the grave.' Source: http://www.respectparty.org/national/end-tuition-fees/
SNP Among the SNP's policy base is free higher education. Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_National_Party
UKIP "Subject to academic performance UKIP will remove tuition fees for students taking approved degrees in science, medicine, technology, engineering, maths on the condition that they live, work and pay tax in the UK for five years after the completion of their degrees. " Source: UKIP, http://www.ukip.org/policies_for_people
CONSERVATIVE More students on high quality vocational courses because after 13 years of neglect we’ve turned them around… because let’s face it University isn’t for everyone and it was high time we stopped saying to young people who chose a different path that their choice was somehow second best. Nicky Morgan (Education Minister) http://press.conservatives.com/post/98807929855/nicky-morgan-speech-to-conservative-party
GREEN PARTY It will continue to be compulsory for all young people to be educated between the years of 7-16. From the age of 14 this may be provided through a variety of contexts including through skills and practical training, vocational placements and at Youth Schools .
LABOUR So the third plank of our plan is a vocational education system to rival Germany’s. A Labour Government will ensure Further Education colleges focused on training for local jobs; proper apprenticeships lasting two years; technical Baccalaureate, with respected qualifications; careers’ advice; technical degrees so young people can earn and learn. Source: Trsitram Hunt speech http://press.labour.org.uk/post/98055389239/speech-by-tristram-hunt-mp-to-labour-party We will transform vocational education in our schools and colleges, with a new gold standard Technical Baccalaureate for 16 to 19-year-olds, with rigorous vocational qualifications, accredited by employers, a high quality work placement and English and maths to 18. We will introduce new Technical Degrees as the pinnacle of this new vocational route, ensuring that young people who excel in vocational skill
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Improve the quality of vocational education
PLAID CYMRU "More vocational and non-academic qualifications to increase the skills of our workforce." Source: Plaid Cymru, http://www.partyof.wales/easy-read-manifesto/
RESPECT PARTY Free and life-long access for all to high quality vocational education and adult education.
UKIP UKIP will introduce an option for students to take an Apprenticeship Qualification instead of four non-core GCSEs which can be continued at A-Level. Students can take up apprenticeships in jobs with certified professionals qualified to grade the progress of the student
ALLIANCE PARTY In the past, the government has invested heavily in roads for car use. However, with the rising price of fuel and the desire to move to more sustainable methods of living, the government needs to invest in alternative methods of transport. Source: Alliance Party Website, http://allianceparty.org/page/transport
GREEN PARTY "Develop low carbon transport, improve energy efficiency of transport, shift transport sources to mainly renewable electricity" - Source: Green Party website, http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/ey.html
SNP Emergency steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels, alongside massively increased investment in sustainable energy including solar, biological and wind and wave power.
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance Agriculture spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has said that England should adopt the Northern Ireland method for combating bovine tuberculosis instead of a badger cull which has begun in parts in of England.
CONSERVATIVE The cull was needed, he said, to prevent TB spreading among cattle. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-31083871
DUP Seven of the eight DUP MPs voted for the badger cull; one abstained
GREEN PARTY The Green Party has always opposed the badger cull http://greenparty.org.uk/news/2014/03/01/greens-%E2%80%93-scrap-badger-culling-now/
LABOUR Labour would " End the badger cull and maintain the ban on hunting with dogs." Source: Labour Party Manifesto.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Abandoning the current culls at this point would actually lead to an increase of the disease in the wildlife reservoir which is why it is important that the culls have not been abandoned altogether, but will continue with an adjusted methodology aimed to ensure that as they progress these two culls will be both humane and effective
CONSERVATIVE In government, the Liberal Democrats have spoken up for coastal communities, and we are investing £3.2bn in the repair and improvement of coastal defences https://normanlamb.org.uk/libdems/2014/lib-dem-environment-minister-dan-rogerson-visits-community-hit-by-floods-a-year-ago/
GREEN PARTY We need independent and fair assessment of the coastal erosive impact of offshore dredging, the re-instatement of money taken from the sea defence budget and protective systems based upon the needs of people and the environment rather than corporate profit http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/mc.html
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT In government, the Liberal Democrats have spoken up for coastal communities, and we are investing £3.2bn in the repair and improvement of coastal defences https://normanlamb.org.uk/libdems/2014/lib-dem-environment-minister-dan-rogerson-visits-community-hit-by-floods-a-year-ago/
DUP Fighting for a fair deal for farmers and fishermen
GREEN PARTY Ensure food security, integrating human health and wellbeing, environmental protection, animal welfare and decent livelihoods for farmers, farm workers and growers.
SNP The SNP has pledged to fight for maximum decision making on fisheries to be made in Scotland, for the EU to fully support the kind of innovations that the Scottish fleet has pioneered and to stand up for the needs of the fishing industry in Europe. http://www.snp.org/media-centre/news/2014/may/snp-provide-strongest-voice-fishing
ALLIANCE PARTY changes could include a cross-departmental approach to emergency planning, placing a single agency in charge of co-ordinating relief, having an audit of the effectiveness of current flood defences and improving the flood warning system
CONSERVATIVE 18 March 2015 - The Conservatives have announced plans to build a £1bn tidal lagoon. "We're investing in flood defences to protect people's homes. We're investing £2.3 billion in over 1,400 flood defence projects to better protect at least 300,000 homes so families are more secure and have greater peace of mind for the future."
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would "Invest in a public programme of renewable generation, flood defences and building insulation. - See more at: https://www.greenparty.org.uk/we-stand-for/safe-climate.html#sthash.qLxVdj8E.dpuf" Source: Green Party website, https://www.greenparty.org.uk/we-stand-for/safe-climate.html
LABOUR Labour will "Prioritise flood prevention and introduce a new climate change adaptation plan." Source: Labour Party Manifesto.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Implement comprehensive planning for the impacts of climate change, including ensuring proper support for flood defences.
PLAID CYMRU asked for Welsh ministers to be able to carry over more funding into the next financial year to help restore flood defences and "tourism assets" after the winter storm damage Source: Ms Hutt, Welsh finance minister http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-26633123
RESPECT PARTY A review of coastal erosion with the costs for beach and other coastal improvements to be met from direct government funding.
UKIP But I also believe that charity starts at home and when we have people in this country who have paid taxes all their lives seeing everything they own be ruined under a deluge of water we should be looking to divert foreign aid to the people in the UK who really need it. Source: Nigel Farage http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/458527/FARAGE-ON-FRIDAY-Let-s-demand-EU-cashback-and-divert-foreign-aid-for-flood-victims
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance endorses the "polluter pays" principle. This means that those who pollute more should pay more and provides a financial incentive to pollute less. We support a shift in taxation towards pollution and resource depletion. Consistent with the "polluter pays" principle, the use of market forces can contribute to the protection of the environment. Source: Alliance Party.
GREEN PARTY A system of environmental tax measures ("eco-taxes") will be introduced alongside the phasing out of VAT (see EC771). Such taxation is designed to encourage movement towards a sustainable economy, by increasing the prices of items or services produced using unsustainable or polluting practises http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/ec.html
PLAID CYMRU We will continue to oppose the use of waste incinerators and support binding targets for waste prevention. We support recycling targets of 80% of domestic waste by 2020 and the introduction of a higher landfill tax.
SNP Tough action against corporate polluters. Public accountability of the oil companies.
UKIP UKIP will abolish green taxes and charges in order to reduce fuel bills.
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance supports regional, national, European and international efforts to protect the environment. Alliance supports the implementation of the Rio and Kyoto Treaties. Although the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit �recognises� the scientific case for keeping temperature rises to no more than 2�C, there was no commitment to legally binding, timely emissions reductions to achieve that goal.
DUP "Make our fair share of reductions in greenhouse gases, cutting emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2025". Source: DUP Website, http://www.mydup.com/policies/environment
LABOUR We will stick to ambitious, legally binding targets for carbon reduction including the decarbonisation of our electricity supply by 2030, and full implementation of carbon budgets and we'll make Britain a world leader in low carbon technology and green jobs, creating a million new high technology, green jobs by 2025.
PLAID CYMRU The National Assembly has agreed, with cross-party support, to reduce emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2020. Plaid will work to ensure that this decision is turned into meaningful and effective action to achieve the full reduction.
SNP Emergency steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels, alongside massively increased investment in sustainable energy including solar, biological and wind and wave power.
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance believe that the provision and sources of small and large-scale renewable heat, light and power needs to be extended and the range of different technologies needs to be encouraged. Source: Alliance Party Westminster Manifesto
DUP The DUP would "Commence a Province-wide retrofit programme providing a range of energy efficiency measures, reducing carbon emissions and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels." Source: DUP.
GREEN PARTY Each year the Green Party would set a carbon budget that would define the total amount of CO2 that can legally be emitted, and would be reduced every year in line with targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Every person would have a 'carbon account' and a set carbon quota. Whenever fossil fuels are used you would have to pay in carbon units on your account. Source: Green Party Manifesto
LABOUR We will stick to ambitious, legally binding targets for carbon reduction including the decarbonisation of our electricity supply by 2030, and full implementation of carbon budgets and we'll make Britain a world leader in low carbon technology and green jobs, creating a million new high technology, green jobs by 2025. Source: Labour Party
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Liberal Democrats would stimulate a minimum of £100 billion more private investment in low-carbon energy infrastructure by 2020, as well as set a legally-binding decarbonisation target range for 2030 for the power sector of 50-100g of CO2 per kWh, which will largely be achieved by expansion of renewable electricity, with an indicative target of 60% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030. The party would set a new target for Zero Carbon Britain by 2050. Source: Liberal Democrat pre-2015 Manifesto
PLAID CYMRU The National Assembly has agreed, with cross-party support, to reduce emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2020. Plaid will work to ensure that this decision is turned into meaningful and effective action to achieve the full reduction. Source: Plaid Cymru.
SNP The SNP policy base includes the proposal of investment in renewable energy. Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_National_Party
UKIP There will be no new subsidies for wind farms and solar arrays. UKIP will abolish green taxes and charges in order to reduce fuel bills. UKIP will abolish the Department of Energy and Climate Change and scrap green subsidies.
CONSERVATIVE David Cameron unveiled a policy paper that set out rules to make it more difficult for protesters to delay the building of new nuclear power stations. The Conservative energy spokesperson Greg Clark has previously said that the party are in favour of nuclear power. Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/7480186/Conservatives-plan-fast-track-for-new-nuclear-plants.html March 2010.
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would phase out nuclear power and oppose plans for any new nuclear power stations. Their manifesto states that as well as its known risks, there is no safe way of disposing nuclear waste. They claim that nuclear power takes longer to produce than renewable energy and is more expensive. Source: Green Party Manifesto
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The Liberal Democrats 'accept that new nuclear power stations can play a role in low-carbon electricity supply provided concerns about safety, disposal of waste and cost are adequately addressed and without public subsidy for new build'. Source: Liberal Democrat pre-2015 Manifesto
PLAID CYMRU We call for emission performance standards for all new power stations and we reaffirm our opposition to the construction of any new nuclear power stations in Wales. Source: Plaid Cymru.
SNP "No return to nuclear energy, close all nuclear plants." Source: Scottish National Party.
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance supports the increased availability of renewable energy sources to decarbonise the energy supply, and support the Green New Deal, which would provide incentives to households to encourage low-carbon energy alternatives in the home. Source: Alliance Party Westminster Manifesto
CONSERVATIVE 18th March 2015 - The Conservatives have announced plans to build a £1bn tidal lagoon in Swansea that will generate power for up to 120,000 for 120 years. Source: BBC News, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-31927779
GREEN PARTY The party aim to obtain around half the energy we use from renewable sources by 2020, as well as ensure that emissions from power generation are zero by 2030. The party support strong planning policies to support onshore wind, tidal, wave, solar and geothermal energy sources. Source: Green Party Manifesto
LABOUR We will unlock investment in clean energy by setting a firm 2030 decarbonisation target and giving the Green Investment Bank more powers. We will stick to ambitious, legally binding targets for carbon reduction including the decarbonisation of our electricity supply by 2030, and full implementation of carbon budgets and we'll make Britain a world leader in low carbon technology and green jobs, creating a million new high technology, green jobs by 2025.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The Liberal Democrats would treble renewable energy generation. They would 'increase research and development in four key low-carbon technologies where Britain could develop its leading position into a global green industry: tidal power, carbon capture and storage, energy storage and ultra-low emission vehicles.' Source: Liberal Democrat pre-2015 Manifesto
PLAID CYMRU Wales must take full advantage of our renewable energy resources and support micro generation and other small-scale sustainable power generation schemes, including tidal, wave-power, on-shore and off-shore wind, hydro and biomass.
SNP Emergency steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels, alongside massively increased investment in sustainable energy including solar, biological and wind and wave power. Scotland is leading the world in offshore renewable technologies and the SNP will continue to support the rapid growth of this sector. The National Renewables Infrastructure Fund will help leverage private investment into Renewables, part of over £200 million of investment in Renewables.
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has said that "We need to wait until proper scientific research is carried out on the fracking process before it is promoted. Given the potential risks to both our health and the local environment, the Government must put a halt to any licences for shale gas extraction until its consequences can be properly examined." http://allianceparty.org/article/2013/008065/lo-says-tax-cuts-for-fracking-is-premature-given-environmental-concerns
DUP The DUP seems to be both for and against fracking, with opposing views in the party. Source: http://fermanaghherald.com/2014/09/dup-councillors-grilled-over-changing-stance-on-fracking/
GREEN PARTY Claiming to be the 'only major party fighting to prevent fracking and drilling', the Green Party claim that the process will accelerate climate change, put communities at risk due to dangerous pollutants, and won't reduce energy bills. https://my.greenparty.org.uk/civicrm/petition/sign?sid=3
LABOUR The Labour Party has confirmed that it supports plans to change the trespass law that will allow shale gas companies to drill under homes without the owner's permission being sought. However, it believes that regulations are not tight enough, and will seek to strengthen the rules covering hydraulic fracturing in the House of Lords. Source: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/25/labour-regulation-uk-fracking-industry
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The coalition government has supported 'fracking', introducing an Infrastructure Bill that contains measures to change trespass laws to facilitate shale gas extraction, as well as offering incentives to local communities and tax breaks for the industry. Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg has offically supported fracking at the party conference in 2013.
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru announced their opposition to fracking in Wales at the party's annual conference in 2013. The party has since expressed additional concern about the environmental impact of fracking compared to investment in long-term renewable energy production. Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans has called for a moratorium on fracking in Wales and the UK until it can be proven that there is no damage to the environment or health. Source: http://www.partyofwales.org/news/2014/05/17/plaid-cymru-mep-calls-for-fracking-moratorium/
SNP "We are committed to opposing the clauses in the Infrastructure Bill which would introduce a right for those companies involved in fracking to carry out operations under properties without the permission of the landowner. We consider this to be unacceptable and removes property holders rights to hold to object to such operations, limited though they may be at present." Mike Weir, SNP Energy Spokesperson
UKIP UKIP's policy towards fracking is that it could provide the UK with a good source of both energy and revenue. UKIP plan to establish a sovereign wealth fund with the the proceeds from fracking. Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24172645
DUP The DUP would encourage firms from the Far East and elsewhere to locate European bases in Northern Ireland. "...our Province has attracted disproportionately more foreign direct investment than the rest of the UK. Many firms, including Citi Group, Allen and Overy and Coca Cola have increased their investment within our shores.The DUP is committed to safeguarding this progress and attracting increased levels of inward investment in Northern Ireland. " Source: DUP website and 2014 Manifesto.
SNP We will continue to update and implement our China and South Asia engagement plans with a focus on business, trade, education, culture, science and tourism.
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance Party would "Support all EU member states meeting the UN overseas aid target of 0.7% of GNP." Source: 2014 European Manifesto.
CONSERVATIVE The Conservative Party would "Protect foreign aid budget". Source: BBC Manifesto Watch, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
GREEN PARTY "British aid should become 0.7 percent of Gross National Product (GNP) within five years and 1.0 percent of GNP within ten years. Emergency aid, aid to dependent territories and debt relief should be an addition to this." Source: Green Party Website, http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/ip.html
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT "Enshrining the 0.7% target in law will move on the aid debate from how much we spend to how we spend it. This bill will make sure as a country we provide people in grave need with lifesaving support - including food, water, shelter and medical assistance. It will also set an example to other wealthy countries to persuade them to join us in this commitment. I am extremely proud Liberal Democrats in Government have delivered on the 0.7% target and continue to demonstrate our commitment to the world’s poorest." - Liberal Democrat Michael Moore MP, http://www.libdems.org.uk/one_step_closer_to_enshrining_uk_aid_target_in_law
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru would "Honour commitment of 0.7% of budget used for foreign aid." Source: BBC Manifesto Watch, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
SNP The SNP would "Maintain 0.7% commitment to foreign aid". Source: BBC Manifesto Watch. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
UKIP UKIP will cut the foreign aid budget by £9bn pa, prioritising disaster relief and schemes which provide water and inoculation against preventable diseases. Source: UKIP Party Website
GREEN PARTY All foreign debts owed by countries officially defined as "Least Developed" should immediately be written off by concerted international action, as well as those of all other countries which need such support in order to meet their MDG targets. Source: Green Party Website
PLAID CYMRU Plaid will press the UK government to honour the commitment to delivering 0.7% of GDP as international aid and we will continue to campaign for the cancellation of developing countries' unaffordable debts. Source: Plaid Cymru
RESPECT PARTY "Cancel the third world debt, with no strings or conditions." - Source: 2010 Respect Party Manifesto.
GREEN PARTY The WTO, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and similar bodies should also be reformed, democratised, or replaced. Source: Green Party website, http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/ip.html
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT "They want democratic control of the global economy with the World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund, World Bank – and similar bodies – reformed, democratised or even replaced." Source: The Guardian, http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/jan/15/what-are-the-green-partys-policies
PLAID CYMRU We support urgent and far-reaching reforms of the World Bank and IMF in order to improve regulation and accountability. Source: Plaid Cymru.
CONSERVATIVE So we will stop giving aid to China and Russia and review which other countries should get British aid. We will focus more on the poorest, paying particular attention to development within the Commonwealth. Source: 2010 Conservative Manifesto
GREEN PARTY Iran’s genuine security concerns must be properly addressed, and military intervention would be counterproductive. Source: Green Party http://greenparty.org.uk/values/policies-2010/2010manifesto-international.html
LABOUR We support engagement and pressure on the Iranian regime; it is threatening its own people as well as the security of the region and the world. Source: Labour Party
RESPECT PARTY Respect also supports the struggle towards a democratic system the Middle East, believing that this will bring in an era of governance that is more answerable to the people who elect those governments and less answerable to the big powers who were using the collaborating dictatorships to rule the region by proxy. But we do not support the idea that the big powers can continue to rule by proxy by funding the revolutionary causes to replace regimes that they don’t like. It is up to the Arab people to decide who they want to rule them. Source: Respect Party http://www.respectparty.org/international/arab-world/
UKIP UKIP would "Stopping our endless, foreign wars". Source: http://www.ukip.org/100_days_till_the_election_100_reasons_to_vote_ukip
PLAID CYMRU "Plaid Cymru did not support the war in Iraq; in fact, we vociferously opposed it. Moreover, our MPs led the campaign to impeach Tony Blair for war crimes. We also opposed the invasion of Afghanistan from the beginning and we now call for a move towards a situation in the country where Afghans can be safe to develop their own country without external political influence. Plaid Cymru therefore call for a sufficient humanitarian framework following the gradual withdrawal of troops. " Source: Plaid Cymru, http://www.partyof.wales/our-armed-forces/
RESPECT PARTY The Respect Party was born out of the anti-war movement, which opposed the invasion and occupation of both Afghanistan and Iraq. It is clear for all to see, that both wars have proven to be a disaster for all parties involved. Respects supports the idea of Arabs working towards unity, so they are not subject to the divide-and-rule policies of the imperial powers. Respect also supports the struggle towards a democratic system the Middle East, believing that this will bring in an era of governance that is more answerable to the people who elect those governments and less answerable to the big powers who were using the collaborating dictatorships to rule the region by proxy. Source: Respect Party website.
UKIP UKIP would "Stopping our endless, foreign wars". Source: http://www.ukip.org/100_days_till_the_election_100_reasons_to_vote_ukip
GREEN PARTY Nuclear weapons are political weapons of terror, and are disproportionate to any threat. Further, since there is a finite possibility that the policy of nuclear deterrence will fail, and the ecological and social consequences of such a failure would be catastrophic, the deterrence system must be abandoned. The Green Party is committed to pursuing immediate and unconditional nuclear disarmament. Source: Green Party Peace Manifesto. http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/assets/images/policy/pdfs/Peace.pdf
LABOUR "Labour believes that Britain should be leading international efforts for multilateral nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, while maintaining a minimum, credible independent nuclear deterrent, delivered through a Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. Following the action we took in government, it is vital that the UK continue to actively enhance momentum on global multilateral disarmament and take a lead internationally in pushing the agenda of global anti-proliferation with nuclear and non-nuclear states." - Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, Douglas Alexander MP, and Shadow Defence Secretary, Vernon Coaker MP in a letter to David Cameron.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT "In 2010, we committed to making Nuclear Weapons History. In Glasgow we agreed to take a big step down the nuclear ladder by ending continuous-at-sea-deterrence, an unnecessary hangover of the Cold War. This will give significant leverage in global nuclear weapons reductions talks in 2015 and will help us move toward s nuclear-free world." Julie Smith, Liberal Democrats
RESPECT PARTY Respect supports the abolition of the arms trade and the terms of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, campaigning for international nuclear disarmament. Source: Respect Party, http://www.respectparty.org/international/trade-arms-nuclear-weapons/
SNP We will continue to support the work of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his efforts through the Nuclear Weapons Convention to eradicate nuclear, chemical and biological weapons across the planet . Source: Scottish National Party 2010 Manifesto
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance endorses the introduction of a small tax on international financial transactions, such as the proposed 'Tobin Tax' . Organised multilaterally, the proceeds would fund international development. Source: Alliance Party
CONSERVATIVE According to Chancellor George Osborne, "A Tobin tax [a proposed tax on international financial transactions] won't raise much revenue".
GREEN PARTY "In the long term we would promote international funding (perhaps from a Tobin Tax to buy out the owners of certain patents, based entirely on global social and environmental usefulness, with the patent becoming available to all once the payment had been made". Source: Green Party http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/ec.html
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru upport the 'Tobin' or 'Robin hood' tax as a means of encouraging more responsibility and stability in the global markets. Source: BBC Manifesto Watch, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
CONSERVATIVE "EU policy must never be a replacement for national decision-making and national defence policy, and neither should it duplicate or undermine the work of NATO, which must remain the bedrock of our security." Source: Conservative Party 2014 European Manifesto.
GREEN PARTY The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a mil itary -oriented body, which imposes conflict cessation rather than encouraging peace building. As such, it is not a sustainable mechanism for maintaining peace in the world. We would take the UK out of NATO unilaterally. Source: Green Party 'Peace' Manifesto.
LABOUR The report [Towards the next Defence and Security Review: Part Two - NATO] reiterates the importance of NATO as the cornerstone of the UK’s defence policy and as the sole organisation for collective defence. As part of this, Labour welcomes the announcement made earlier this week that the UK will send a battle group to participate in Exercise Black Eagle in October as part of a NATO package to reassure our allies in Eastern Europe. Source: Vernon Coaker MP, Labour Shadow Defence Secretary.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The Liberal Democrats would work with our partners in the EU, NATO, the UN and the Commonwealth to tackle security challenges and seek peaceful solutions to conflicts worldwide. Source: Liberal Democrat party website.
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru rejects NATO as a nuclear alliance and a product of the Cold War. The modern world requires cooperation that is not built on the old-fashioned premise of competing military blocs but rather one that brings all countries and hemispheres together in the common pursuit of peace, reconciliation and justice. Source: Plaid Cymru website, http://www.partyof.wales/news/2014/09/04/plaid-cymru-statement-on-nato-summit/
RESPECT PARTY We support the idea that Britain should leave NATO. Furthermore, NATO should be disbanded and replaced with a European Union defence organisation which does not involve the United States and which reflects the interests of its own member states. This organisation would be responsible for securing Europe’s borders and for security issues in or on the borders of the European zone only. Source: Respect Party. http://www.respectparty.org/international/nato/
SNP An SNP Government will maintain NATO membership subject to an agreement that Scotland will not host nuclear weapons and NATO continues to respect the right of members to only take part in UN sanctioned operations. After the [Autumn conference 2012] debate, SNP members voted 426-332 to overturn their policy of opposition to Nato. Source: WIkipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_debate_in_the_Scottish_National_Party
LABOUR We will guarantee that you will be able to see a GP within 48 hours, which will help to tackle A&E waiting times.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Encourage GPs to work together to improve access and availability of appointments, including out of hours.
SNP More flexible access to healthcare - We want services to more closely reflect the realities of family and working life.
UKIP We will ensure that GPs' surgeries are open at least one evening per week, where there is demand for it.
CONSERVATIVE Reducing bureaucracy to pay for more than 8,000 more doctors and 6,000 more nurses on wards so frontline services deliver for you and your family.
DUP The DUP will increase spending on health in real terms, ensure that resources are targeted on the front line through greater efficiency and productivity and expand cancer services.
LABOUR a future Labour government would pay for 36,000 more doctors, nurses and midwives, partly funded by a tax on tobacco firms http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29310512
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Improving services across the NHS, with 6,000 more doctors, lower waiting times and giving cancer drugs to 30,000 people. http://www.libdems.org.uk/health
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru want "1000 more doctors in Wales and faster GP appointments." Source: Plaid Cymru, http://www.partyof.wales/easy-read-manifesto/
RESPECT PARTY An expansion of training opportunities for doctors, nursing and related services.
UKIP UKIP would recruit more lower-qualified nurses into the NHS in a bid to encourage more 'home-grown medical talent'. Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11453107/General-Election-2015-How-each-party-will-tackle-the-NHS.html
DUP Encourage fast food outlets, restaurants, sandwich chains, cafes, public houses and company canteens to display calorie counts on menus.
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would also introduce a complete ban on the promotion of tobacco and alcohol products, including sponsorship, advertising (direct or indirect) and product placement on remuneration or reward.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The Liberal Democrats would 'do more to tackle the causes of ill health, including promoting healthy eating and exercise, making people aware of the dangers of smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol and other drugs, and helping to improve mental health and well-being.' Source: Liberal Democrat pre-2015 Manifesto
UKIP UKIP will amend the smoking ban to give pubs and clubs the choice to open smoking rooms properly ventilated and separated from non-smoking areas.
ALLIANCE PARTY "The Alliance Party is committed to a Health Service free at the point of delivery. That is not currently what we have. People have to pay to park to visit family members and friends; people have to pay for eye checks and teeth checks; people have to pay for personal care for older people. So, we would seek to put in place a strategy to reduce and, ideally, eventually remove all those charges." Source: Alliance Party website, http://allianceparty.org/article/2008/0003956/mccarthy-speaks-on-hospital-car-parking-charges
CONSERVATIVE "Patients and families shouldn't have to deal with the added stress of unfair parking charges. These clear ground rules set out our expectations, and will help the public hold the NHS to account for unfair charges or practices" - Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Source: BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28905695
LABOUR "The Tory-led Government scrapped Labour’s plans to phase out car parking charges for patients and Jeremy Hunt needs to take responsibility for the fact that since then one in four hospitals have increased parking fees. Any action to ease the burden of car parking charges on patients and their visitors is welcome. When people go to hospital, the last thing they want to worry about is parking fees." - Andrew Gwynne, Shadow Health Minister. Source: Labour Press, http://press.labour.org.uk/post/95534234449/government-scrapped-labours-plans-to-phase-out
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT "Lib Dem former care minister Paul Burstow stressed that parking being used as a "cash cow" in the NHS is "not acceptable". Source: BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/house-of-commons-29016471
SNP "Keeping health free – we have abolished prescription charges, the tax on the sick, and we have also abolished car parking charges in NHS hospitals brought in under the previous Labour/Lib-Dem Executive" Source: SNP Website, http://www.snp.org/vision/healthier-scotland/health-and-wellbeing
UKIP UKIP have stated that they will commit to spending £200m of the £2bn saving [from disallowing migrants access to free treatment on the NHS] to end hospital car parking charges in England. Source: UKIP Policy.
ALLIANCE PARTY We would address the structural underfunding of mental health services, particularly with respect to children and young people
DUP This year will see the introduction of the ground-breaking Mental Capacity (Northern Ireland) Bill. The Bill will bring together mental capacity law (which will support people who are unable to make specific decisions about their health, welfare or finances), and mental health law (which concerns the detention and treatment of people with a mental disorder) into a single framework. This approach is novel, and unlike the rest of the United Kingdom where mental health law and mental capacity law are governed by two separate legislative acts. http://www.mydup.com/news/article/ross-addresses-mental-health-knowledge-exchange-seminar
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would "Make mental health a much higher priority with resources to match this status. - See more at: https://www.greenparty.org.uk/we-stand-for/public-nhs.html" Source: Green Party Website, https://www.greenparty.org.uk/we-stand-for/public-nhs.html
LABOUR We will change the NHS Constitution to give people the right to psychological therapies for mental health problems like anxiety and depression helping to give mental health the same priority as physical health.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT 14 March 2015 - Liberal Democrat leader has said that mental health services in England would receive a £1.25bn boost over the next five years. Source: BBC News, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31882429
PLAID CYMRU "Better mental health care and wider help and understanding of mental health issues." Source: Plaid Cymru, http://www.partyof.wales/easy-read-manifesto/
RESPECT PARTY The expansion of psychiatric health services.
UKIP UKIP have announced in early 2015 that they would provide an extra £650m for dementia services.
CONSERVATIVE Being forced to share hospital accommodation with the opposite sex can be distressing and undignified - particularly for older people. "Putting a stop to it has meant patients are getting treated with more compassion and respect." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11169380/Ministers-hail-dignity-victory-in-war-on-mixed-sex-wards.html
GREEN PARTY The Green Party have stated in their manifesto that they would seek to end the practice of mixed-sex accommodation in hospital wards. Source: Green Party Manifesto
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance supports the reintroduction of a small prescription charge and I would personally be happy to pay this small fee for my prescriptions if I knew that it could help to fund cancer drugs which are not currently available in Northern Ireland http://allianceparty.org/article/2015/0009477/cochrane-supports-reintroduction-of-prescription-charges-to-pay-for-cancer-drugs
CONSERVATIVE We're announcing an extra £160 million for the Cancer Drugs Fund to give more patients access to the latest and best cancer drugs.
DUP The DUP will increase spending on health in real terms, ensure that resources are targeted on the front line through greater efficiency and productivity and expand cancer services.
LABOUR Labour will create a new annual Cancer Treatments Fund to improve access not just to the latest drugs but also to the latest forms of radiotherapy and surgery that are too often not available for thousands of people with cancer. http://press.labour.org.uk/post/104745617299/labour-will-tackle-scandal-of-cancer-patients
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Invest in research and set ambitious goals to improve outcomes for the most serious life-threatening diseases like cancer and long-term conditions like dementia.
PLAID CYMRU We want to see the Welsh NHS participate in more clinical trials and research. We want to see improved availability of diagnostics for cancers and chronic conditions. We want to see a medical service that is judged on its outcomes for people, not on inputs.
SNP One stop cancer diagnosis - As part of our plans to ensure shorter cancer waiting times.
CONSERVATIVE "David Cameron and Nick Clegg have both voiced opposition to changing the law. Mr Clegg, whose mother is Dutch, said even limited assisted suicide in Holland had created a culture in which doctors push the boundaries of the law." Source: Telegraph, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10685362/Assisted-suicide-moves-closer-as-Government-allows-free-vote.html
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would seek to provide the right to an assisted death, 'within a rigorous framework of regulation, and in the context of the availability of the highest level of palliative care'. Source: Green Party Manifesto
LABOUR "Lord Falconer, a campaigner on the right to assisted dying, is also leading a Private Members’ Bill in the Lords to let doctors prescribe a lethal dose of drugs to terminally ill patients. Inside sources claim Mr Miliband is sympathetic to Lord Falconer’s request, but other Labour MPs remain against making it a firm manifesto pledge, fearing a move would prove a vote-loser. " Source: https://www.politicshome.com/home-affairs/articles/story/labour-talks-considering-assisted-suicide-pledge
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT "David Cameron and Nick Clegg have both voiced opposition to changing the law. Mr Clegg, whose mother is Dutch, said even limited assisted suicide in Holland had created a culture in which doctors push the boundaries of the law." Source: Telegraph, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10685362/Assisted-suicide-moves-closer-as-Government-allows-free-vote.html
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru's Simon Thomas said: "The House of Lords Bill, if passed, will signal a major change in our approach as a society to dying and individuals' decisions. I recognise many Assembly Members will have strong views on this Bill as do our citizens. Though this issue has not been devolved to Wales, unlike for example organ donation, it is vital that our own parliament has an opportunity to form a view on one of the most pressing ethical issues of our age. I will be voting in favour of supporting the principles of the Assisted Dying Bill." Source: BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/cymru-30381674
DUP Explore the potential for Northern Ireland to be included in the NHS Choices website which has provided a better service and saved close to £50 million in England.
GREEN PARTY Funding will be diverted away from centralised facilities towards community healthcare, illness prevention and health promotion. Community Health Centres will be the focal points for self-help and community-based initiatives and will also provide a wide range of services including primary healthcare, and health education and health promotion programmes.
LABOUR We will repeal David Cameron’s Health and Social Care Act, putting right the worst of the changes the Tories have made. We’ll ensure that the Secretary of State has a duty to guarantee a national service free at the point of use; we’ll remove enforced competition; we’ll ensure private patients aren’t put before NHS patients; and we’ll tackle conflicts of interest. Source: Labour Manifesto
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Reform the NHS payment system to encourage better integration of hospital and community care services and better preventative care for people with long term conditions. This would include more use of personal budgets for people who want them and better access to technology and services to help people get care closer to home. Secure local agreement on and pooling of budgets between the NHS and social care.
RESPECT PARTY Bring all agencies administering care services into public ownership under NHS or local government control.
UKIP Middle management cuts.
DUP Have 80% of domiciliary care provided by charities and other nonstatutory organisations by 2015, releasing savings extending to tens of millions of pounds per year
GREEN PARTY The Green Party has drawn up a bill that would restrict the role of commercial companies in the NHS. The party's website states, "The party would strictly oppose any NHS privatisation and the treatment of healthcare as a commercial activity. They would maintain a publicly funded, publicly provided health service free of charge. In addition, the Green Party would abolish prescription charges, reintroduce free eye tests and NHS dental treatment." Source: Green Party Manifesto
LABOUR 27 March 2015 - Labour leader Ed Miliband has said at the start of his election campaign that his party would cap the amount of profit private firms are able to make from the NHS in England, saying that he wants to ensure a 'proper' level of funding. Profit margins would be limited to 5% on contracts above £500,000. Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32083668
PLAID CYMRU "No NHS privatisation." - Source: Plaid Cymru, http://www.partyof.wales/easy-read-manifesto/
RESPECT PARTY Opposition to PFI schemes; all privatised services to be brought back into the NHS.
SNP The Scottish National Party will be supporting this Private Members Bill in the House of Commons to prevent the back-door privatisation of the health service. While responsibility for the NHS in Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, any cuts to NHS funding in England have knock on implications for the Scottish block grant and result in cuts to the Scottish budget. Source: SNP http://www.snp.org/media-centre/news/2014/nov/snp-will-vote-prevent-nhs-privatisation
UKIP "UKIP is committed to an NHS that is free at the point of access and paid for out of taxation, full stop." - Nigel Farage. Although it has been speculated that UKIP had "longstanding support" for elements of the NHS to be privatised, Farage has said that the idea was rejected by the rest of the party.
CONSERVATIVE "We have also brought back vital exit checks at ports and airports. And by April, those checks will be in force at all our major ports and airports. So we will be able not only to count people in, but to count them out again." Source: David Cameron Speech on Immigration, http://press.conservatives.com/post/103802921280/david-cameron-speech-on-immigration
DUP The DUP want "proper border controls and a tougher immigration policy". Source: 2015 DUP manifesto, http://dev.mydup.com/images/uploads/publications/DUP_NI_Plan_v_7.pdf
GREEN PARTY "The Green Party would progressively reduce controls on UK immigration", and "... aim to ensure that UK immigration control takes place primarily at ports of entry so that no resident is required to carry proof of residence." Source: Green Party Website.
LABOUR Labour want to introduce stronger border controls to tackle immigration with 'proper' entry and exit checks. Source: Labour Party. The party have promised to "control immigration fairly", including a proposal to stop the practice of hiring cheaper foreign workers in favour of British employees. They would also recruit an extra 1,000 border staff.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The Liberal Democrats would seek to reintroduce exit checks at UK borders so that they can identify people who may be overstaying their visa. Source: Liberal Democrat party website, http://www.libdems.org.uk/immigration
SNP The SNP would allow a devolved government to have complete control over immigration into Scotland, and to introduce a system similar to Canada to attract highly-skilled immigrants. Source: SNP Policy.
UKIP "Priority lanes would be introduced at borders for holders of UK passports. UK border staff would be increased by 2,500." Source: UKIP Website.
GREEN PARTY Immigrants who have lived illegally in the UK for more than five years will be allowed to stay in the country unless they "pose a serious danger to public safety". Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11451936/General-Election-2015-Immigration-policy.html
UKIP UKIP will not offer an amnesty for illegal immigrants or those gaining British passports through fraud. Source: UKIP
CONSERVATIVE "Cameron has spoken out against mandatory identity cards on a number of occasions, saying that they will not reduce crime and illegal immigration, will be a waste of money and are a violation of human rights". Source: Wikipedia,
DUP Plans to introduce ID cards should be scrapped. They are too expensive and will not tackle terrorism or illegal immigration. Source: 2010 DUP Manifesto.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT "Extended personal freedom by scrapping ID cards." Source: Liberal Democrat pre-manifesto 2015.
CONSERVATIVE The Conservative Party would ensure that migrants would have to wait four years before they can claim certain benefits including tax credits, Universal Credit and social housing.
DUP The DUP 2015 manifesto states that economic migrants must have contributed to the UK before they are entitled to claim benefits. Source: DUP 2015 Manifesto, http://dev.mydup.com/images/uploads/publications/DUP_NI_Plan_v_7.pdf
LABOUR Labour say that people coming here won't be able to claim benefits for at least two years. Source: Labour Party
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The Liberal Democrats have proposed a restriction on the payment of Universal Credit to immigrants for a six month period only, and would only be issued after their first six months in the UK. Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11451936/General-Election-2015-Immigration-policy.html (Please note that this policy is awarded a lesser score for our quiz because it is not a full match against the question.)
UKIP "Migrants will only be eligible for benefits (in work or out of work) when they have been paying tax and NI for five years and will only be eligible for permanent residence after ten years." Source: UKIP Website, http://www.ukip.org/policies_for_people
GREEN PARTY "People who come to Britain, seeking to follow on our proud tradition of providing asylum, should be allowed to work if they can, should be given decent benefits equivalent to those of everyone else, and decent housing." - Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett. Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11451936/General-Election-2015-Immigration-policy.html
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT "Liberal Democrat peers, led by Roger Roberts, tried to amend it [the Immigration Bill] by inserting a clause which would have entitled asylum seekers to work after 6 months." Source: Lib Dem Voice, http://www.libdemvoice.org/liberal-democrat-peers-support-asylum-seekers-right-to-work-39068.html
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru supports the right of asylum seekers to work in Wales while they wait for status decisions to be made and we call for the speeding up of the unnecessarily complicated asylum system.
ALLIANCE PARTY There is a need for formal exit controls to capture numbers leaving in order to complement information on those who have arrived. Source: Alliance Party.
CONSERVATIVE A continued goal of bringing net immigration down to less than 100,000 people per year. (Currently at 243,000). Source: Conservative Party
DUP The DUP supports measures to limit the number of people from overseas permitted to settle in the United Kingdom each year, and would "Oppose further harmonisation of rules relating to immigration, asylum and visas across the EU." Source: DUP Policies and 2014 Manifesto.
GREEN PARTY The Green Party would progressively reduce controls on UK immigration. Source: Green Party
LABOUR Stronger border controls: we will make it easier to deport foreign criminals, check people in and out of the country, and do more to stop illegal immigration. Source: Labour Party
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Restore full entry and exit checks at our borders, to rebuild confidence in immigration control, and allow targeting of resources at those who over-stay their visas. Source: Liberal Democrat party.
RESPECT PARTY "We wholeheartedly welcome all EU migrants who seek to work hard in Britain, just as many British people work abroad." Source: Respect Party website.
UKIP The party would aim to bring net migration down to 50,000 people per year.
CONSERVATIVE Conservatives have ruled out a temporary cap or 'emergency brake' on migrant numbers on EU freedom of movement rules, claiming they would be less effective than reducing incentives for people to come to the UK. On 26th February Immigration Minister James Brokenshire "said for some time that our target of reducing net migration... would not be met because of the pressures from the EU.". Source: BBC News.
GREEN PARTY "Greens: Progressively reduce UK immigration controls." Source: BBC Manifesto Watch, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
LABOUR Labour's Yvette Cooper has said that the Conservatives were wrong focusing on net migration, and should have taken extra steps to strengthen border controls to tackle illegal immigration. Source: BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31638174 "The net migration target is a meaningless one, Labour's David Hanson tells Daily Politics. The shadow immigration minister is pressed over whether Labour has a target number. Mr Hanson refuses to do so, saying he is interested in the long term interests of the British economy. He does say he would take students out of the immigration figures - "about 80,000 a year". Source: BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-31631977
UKIP UKIP migration spokesman Steven Woolfe told the Daily Politics show on 26th February 2015 that the party would introduce a cap on gross migration into the UK of "50,000 for those who have the right to work with the option for permanent residence", which would "take out 167,000 of these figures [currently 298,000 migrants] each year". However, on the 4th March the party leader Nigel Farage said that they would not set a yearly target, with 20,000-50,000 migrants being given work permits.
RESPECT PARTY Respect is in favour of a colour-blind points-based immigration system which is weighted in favour of those coming from Commonwealth countries to which we owe a historic debt. Source: Respect website.
UKIP UKIP would give a preference towards those who settle in the UK will be given to Commonwealth nationals. Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11451936/General-Election-2015-Immigration-policy.html
LABOUR "Labour will commit to 'reforms to ensure those who come here speak English and earn the right to any benefit entitlements'. Source: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/11/ed-miliband-toughen-benefit-rules-for-migrants
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT The Liberal Democrats would require all new claimants for the Jobseekers Allowance to be assessed on their English language proficiency, and if necessary the allowance would only be paid if the claimant attended language courses or lessons.
UKIP Those coming to work in the UK must have a job to go to, must speak English, must have accommodation agreed prior to their arrival, and must have NHS-approved health insurance. Source: UKIP website.
ALLIANCE PARTY Alliance supports a points-based system, linked to skills, as the least worst of all the alternatives for regulating legal immigration. We are opposed to an arbitrary cap that has been proposed by some, such as the Conservative and Unionists. Source: Alliance Party
PLAID CYMRU Plaid Cymru oppose a points-based system. Source: BBC Politics. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29642613
SNP Scotland needs an immigration policy which suits our economic needs, and keeps up with the likes of Canada, Australia, Germany and New Zealand who all have explicit strategies to bring in talent to the benefit of their economies. - SNP home affairs spokesperson Pete Wishard MP.
UKIP UKIP propose the introduction of an Australian-style points system that would assess migrants according to their skills needed for the economy. This would include both immigrants from inside and outside the European Union.. Source: UKIP Policies.
PARTY LEADER
Tim Farron
LEADER SINCE
PARTY MEMBERSHIP
44000
FOUNDED
1988
WEBSITE
http://www.libdems.org.uk/
HEADQUARTERS
8-10 Great George Street
,London
,SW1P 3AE
IDEOLOGY
Liberalism,Social Liberalism
Socially liberal and progressive; strongly support democratisation of the political system. Promotes modern liberal values; opposing what some pen the 'nanny state', while supporting the welfare state for the basic necessities of life. The party's main two branches are the social-liberal grouping, and the dominant 'Orange Book' grouping.
Founded in 1988 after the Liberal Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP) merged, the Liberal Democrats are currently the third-largest political party in the UK in both number of seats in Westminster as well as the total number of councillors.
Their origins can be traced back to 1859 when the Liberal Party were formed from the Whigs, Peelites and Radicals.
The first leader of the Liberal Democrat party following the merger between the parties was Paddy Ashdown, who was elected in July 1988, and although they performed poorly at the 1989 European Elections, over the next 13 years they grew in popularity, reaching 17.8% of the vote, as well as 20 seats in Westminster.
In the 1997 general election they doubled their representation in parliament, gaining 46 seats, and in the 1994 European Elections gained their first two MPs in the European Parliament.
After Ashdown retired as leader in 1999, Charles Kennedy was selected to replace him, whereupon the party improved on their previous successes, increasing their number of seats to 52, and their share of the vote to 18.3 per cent. This was mainly due to their stance on populist issues, such as their opposition to war in Iraq, support for civil liberties, and electoral reform.
Their highest share came after the 2005 general election, when they took 62 seats in Westminster.
Sir Menzies Campbell won the leadership of the Liberal Democrats in 2006 following a controversial leadership campaign, but lost his position in the following year when Nick Clegg became the party's fourth leader.
Council elections in May 2012 saw the party lose in excess of three hundred councillors, which left them with less than 3,000 in total, the first in their history, and membership fell by approximately 20%. In the 2014 local elections, the Liberal Democrats lost 307 council seats, and ten of their eleven seats in the European Parliament.
Not all party manifestos have been released into the public domain to date (03 April 2025), which means som policies may be re-published from previous manifestos, including the European Election 2014 and 2010 General Election campaigns where appropriate. Other policies have been re-published from official party sources, party conferences and interviews with the media. Quiz results are calculated by matching your answers against verified and official sources only, and we do not attempt to 'second-guess' or speculate on party stances.
Our questions are based on key issues that are deemed to be important to the electorate. Considerable effort went into researching hot topics of concern to the electorate. After we chose the questions we researched every available party manifesto, and assigned a 'score' based on whether each party currently agree or disagree with the question, using our custom-built 'policy editor' to enable us to edit and change as party manifestos are published:
In many cases the answers to our questions are not (yet) addressed in party manifestos, therefore we do not assign any score to that party for that particular question. As soon as we become aware of a new or revised policy we amend the score accordingly. If a party has no official stance towards a topic, we do not assign a score.
We match questions against answers by maintaining a database of all key policies for all parties we include in our quiz. These policies are sourced from official documentation, manifestos, resources and speeches that the parties have made public. Where possible we make every attempt to keep the original wording, although we may be forced to edit or paraphrase where necessary, although we do not change the meaning.
The process of gathering information about party policies is a time-consuming practice, and we may not discover all the policies that parties inevitably change. Obviously, we also cannot guarantee that any policies shown on our site are the latest version, and we can't be held responsible for the omission of policies that are announced. All users are encouraged to check official party websites for the latest updates and publications regarding official policies.
We're non-partisan, and don't have any affiliation with any political party, so we make every attempt to ensure that EVERY party has the same opportunity to score the same total score as each other. This obviously is very difficult to achieve. Some parties cover fewer issues than others in their manifestos, or may be 'neutral'. Whilst developing the scoring algorithm, we took considerable time to ensure that where a particular party may lack potential points, they could potentially gain those points in another question or topic area by balancing the type and subject matter of each question.
During the run up to the general election we aim to update the scoring mechanism every working day of the week, and where possible over the weekend. We receive email alerts when a manifesto or key policy is published or amended.
As you navigate your way through the quiz each party is assigned a constantly-updated score based on your answers. Once you've finished the quiz we put the scores in order, showing you the most suitable political party that matches your answers.
For each question you're given the option to assign 'importance' to that question. By altering the level of importance you can also assign more weight to it if you feel strongly about your answer. For example, if Trident Submarines are a particularly important issue for you, then you can alter the importance when you answer the question.
We've attempted to make our quiz as accurate as possible by using official policies that are in the public public domain. We do encourage you to answer as many topics/questions as you can to enable our algorithm to determine which party most matches your answers. So, if you've answered less than 20 or so questions and disagree with the results, you may need to re-take the quiz in order to improve its accuracy. Remember to use the 'Importance' slider on each question, as this adds more weight to a matching party, and will help our system to determine which party is more aligned to your answers.
Yes. Once you've completed the quiz you'll be presented with a button that allows you to share your results to Facebook. Each completed quiz is assigned a unique URL (website address), which you can share with others. It's a useful way of comparing your stance with your family members, colleagues and friends.
No. We don't collect any personally-identifiable information unless you willingly opt in to receive updates by email (we will never share your email address with anyone). We understand that political bias is a sensitive and often private affair.
Absolutely. Our overall goal is to help voters choose a party that suits their beliefs, no matter what those beliefs may be. We want to encourage as many people to vote at the 2015 general election. From the outset we aimed for 100% unbias whilst the website was in development, and our scoring algorithmsare not designed to sway opinion towards (or against) any party.
Because there is no exclusive 'English' Parliament. Government is represented by MPs from all countries across the UK, and we want to help people from all areas of the UK choose the party that meets their beliefs. As a result, we have decided to include every party that has at least one member of parliament in Westminster that represents a constituency.
Source: Wikipedia - Number of Westminster MPs
Using the same computer that you last took the quiz on, hover your mouse over 'Quiz' on the main menu. Click on the 'My Quiz' link to take you back to your quiz.
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We played around with lots of neutral colour schemes (mainly variants and hues of black, white and grey) and decided to introduce a colour that would complement our service. Blue was chosen not as a 'nod' to any particular political party, but as a personal choice of the founder.
OK, at the moment it isn't particularly show. In fact it's fairly fast. However, if you do notice that our website becomes slow or unresponsive, it may be because we've been featured in a national newspaper or TV programme. Because we don't have the money to finance a huge server the site may suffer at times.
Whilst that quality of our content isn't exactly our strongest skill, we hope that it doesn't detract what we're trying to achieve - helping to get more people interested in this general election. Our team consist of just two people, a website developer and a teacher. We don't have any writers onboard that can help us to ensure everything makes sense, because we don't have the resources to pay them, so you'll have to put up with us. Still, we'll try our best to be as clear and consise as possible.
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Palace of Westminster Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0
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Whether you've got a life-long affiliation towards a party, if you're sitting on the fence, or are new to politics, then let us help you to decide who to vote for when you head for the polling stations on the 7th May 2015.
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