Reform Party case study: GE 24 manifesto launch

Students are expected to know about a couple of emerging/minor parties

So the launch of the Reform Party's manifesto this week is a good opportunity to get some notes down for future reference.

Questions based on the video

1. What were some of the key reforms proposed by Reform UK in their budget plan?

2. How did Nigel Farage respond to concerns about the feasibility of cutting £50 billion from government spending without affecting frontline services?

3. Why was Merthyr Tydfil chosen as the location for this political event, and what historical significance does it hold?

4. How do residents of Merthyr Tydfil feel about the promises made regarding Brexit and the current cost of living crisis?

5. What is Nigel Farage's approach to tackling the cost of living crisis, NHS waiting lists, and housing shortages?

6. How did Carl from the Institute for Fiscal Studies assess Reform UK's position on tax cuts and spending increases?

7. What challenges did Carl highlight in relation to Reform UK's proposed tax cuts and the potential impact on government finances?

Correct answers

1. The reforms pledged by Reform UK included raising the income tax threshold to £20,000, cutting government spending by £50 billion annually, ditching Net Zero policies, allowing more oil and gas drilling, and freezing non-essential immigration.

2. Nigel Farage defended the feasibility of cutting £50 billion from government spending without impacting frontline services, stating that it is possible despite negative attitudes towards such measures.

3. Merthyr Tydfil was chosen as the location due to its historical significance as a Labour stronghold since 1900 when Keir Hardy was elected there. It holds importance as an industrial town with a rich political history.

4. Residents of Merthyr Tydfil expressed feeling let down after Brexit promises and struggling with the cost of living, particularly heating bills. They felt disillusioned by unfulfilled pledges.

5. Nigel Farage aims to tackle the cost of living crisis, NHS waiting lists, and housing shortages by focusing on immigration control, promising to freeze non-essential migration and stop illegal boat crossings within 100 days.

6. Carl from the Institute for Fiscal Studies raised concerns about Reform UK's proposed tax cuts, suggesting they may cost more than anticipated and could lead to significant financial challenges if implemented fully.

7. Carl highlighted challenges in Reform UK's tax cut proposals, pointing out that certain cuts, like income tax reductions and corporation tax cuts, may end up costing more over time than initially estimated, potentially requiring additional tax rises or spending cuts to balance the budget effectively.