The UK general election is fast approaching. With more publicity than ever surrounding policies, pledges and manifestos, it can be a challenge finding the information that is relevant to you and your industry.

So, instead of wading through party publications, we thought we would list some of the key technology-focused pledges listed by the front-running parties.

As of the 19th of June, 2024, the UK election polls listed the top five as (alphabetically) Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Reform UK. While their manifestos are all vastly different in layout and length, there are some distinct technological and economical themes across all of them.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list and has been edited down for clarity. Parties have been listed in alphabetical order.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Conservatives

• Plan to invest over £1.5 billion into “large-scale compute clusters” (a group of computers working together as a single system), which they believe would have the processing power to take advantage of the potential of AI and research its safe use.

Green Party

• Plan to work with bodies like UNESCO to regulate AI.
• Commitment to UK workforce, promising workers’ rights will be protected during the adoption of AI.
• Similarly, plan to protect the rights of creators and artists over AI use and training.

Labour

• Introduce a new regulatory body to oversee and manage the quick innovation and development of new technologies.
• An increase in AI technologies availability to the NHS.

Liberal Democrats

• Prioritising “transparency and accountability” for public sector AI systems, and privacy protection for personal data.
• Aim to participate in the Trade and Technology Council alongside the US and EU.

Renewable Energy

Conservatives

• Plan to build new gas power stations for use if weather conditions interfere with the use of renewable energy.
• Treble offshore wind capacity, and build the “first two carbon capture and storage clusters”.

Green Party

• Commitment to pushing the UK to zero carbon earlier than the current target of 205
• Aim for wind to provide 70% of UK’s electricity by 2030.
• 80GW offshore, 53GW onshore and 100 GW of solar by 2035.

Labour

• ‘Green Prosperity Plan’ – Investing in clean energy to create 650,000 jobs by 2030.
• Hopes to double onshore wind, triple solar, and quadruple offshore wind by 2030.

Liberal Democrats

• Proposal of an emergency program to cut energy bills.
• Investment in renewables and zero-carbon transport.

Reform UK

• Emphasis on energy independence through investment in domestic energy sources.

Automotive Industry

Conservatives

• Plans to invest £4 billion in a battery gigafactory, with significant contributions from Nissan and BMW.
• Pledge to support the industry against global competition, particularly from China.

Labour

• Hope to reintroduce the previously planned 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
• Aim to introduce a battery health standard for EVs to benefit those shopping for second-hand vehicles.

Liberal Democrats

• Pledge to reinstate the electric car grant, which ended in 2022.

Reform UK

• Plan to provide strong support to the automotive sector to maintain and grow its global competitiveness.

To Summarise

The Conservatives have put emphasis on AI safety, R&D investment, streamlined infrastructure planning, and strong support for the automotive and FinTech sectors. Defence innovation and police technology are also key areas.

The Green Party, while not heavily focused on technology, emphasise regulating AI with international bodies, protecting workers’ and creators’ rights in the AI adoption process, and prioritising environmental policies over technological advancements.

Labour have more focus on green energy, job creation through clean energy investments, support for SMEs, modernising worker rights, and incentives for new construction technologies.

The Liberal Democrats are advocating for a comprehensive green infrastructure plan, repairing trade relationships with Europe, fair tax policies targeting large corporations, strong support for digital connectivity, and modernising employment rights for the gig economy.

Reform UK plan to leverage new technologies for cleaner energy, digital infrastructure, and robust support for SMEs and the automotive sector.

At Cyclops Electronics, not only are we specialists in sourcing and supplying electronic components, we also stay one step ahead of the latest tech news to keep our customers one step ahead of the competition. Contact us today to learn how we can support your sourcing needs and help you stay in front in the electronics industry.

Disclaimer: Cyclops Electronics has no affiliation with any political party. This blog post is intended solely to provide an overview of the technology and economic policies proposed by the major UK parties. It is not meant to instruct or influence voting decisions. The information presented is for informational purposes only and has been edited for clarity and brevity.‍