12 Key Policies of the Conservative 2024 Manifesto: BBC Analysis

The Conservative Party has unveiled its manifesto for the 2024 general election, outlining a 12-point plan of policies to “level up” the country and “deliver for the British people.”

1. Tax cuts:

The manifesto pledges to cut taxes by £38 billion ($49 billion), including a 10% cut in the basic rate of income tax. This has been criticized by economists as likely to increase government borrowing and inflation.

2. NHS spending:

The Conservatives promise to increase NHS funding by £39 billion ($51 billion) over the next five years. This is less than the £54 billion ($71 billion) requested by the NHS Confederation.

3. Education改革:

The manifesto pledges to introduce a new “National Skills Academy” to train people in high-demand sectors. It also commits to raising school standards and increasing the number of grammar schools.

4. Housing:

The Conservatives promise to build 300,000 new homes per year, including 100,000 affordable homes. They also pledge to introduce a new “First Homes” scheme to help first-time buyers.

5. Infrastructure:

The manifesto commits to investing £600 billion ($777 billion) in infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, and broadband.

6. Environment:

The Conservatives pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. They also promise to plant 50 million trees over the next five years.

7. Immigration:

The manifesto pledges to reduce immigration to the UK to the “tens of thousands.” It also commits to introducing a new points-based system for skilled workers.

8. Law and order:

The Conservatives promise to increase police numbers by 20,000 and to introduce new measures to tackle crime.

9. Defence:

The manifesto pledges to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030. It also commits to developing a new generation of nuclear weapons.

10. Energy:

The Conservatives promise to invest in renewable energy and to reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.

11. Brexit:

The manifesto pledges to “get Brexit done” and to implement the government’s deal with the European Union.

12. Levelling up:

The Conservatives promise to “level up” the country by investing in infrastructure, education, and skills in the north and Midlands of England. The Conservative manifesto has been met with mixed reactions. Some commentators have praised its ambitious plans, while others have criticized its lack of detail and its reliance on tax cuts to fund its spending commitments. The manifesto will be put to the test at the general election on December 12th, 2024.Namibian Returnees Need Adequate Services

Namibian Returnees Need Adequate Services

Zenaida Machado

, Principal Investigator, Africa Division Namibian authorities are repatriating Angolan nationals, including dozens of children, many alone, who were found begging or selling wooden artifacts in Namibia. These individuals primarily hail from southern Angola’s Cunene, Huila, and Namibe provinces, where severe drought has led to food shortages and livestock deaths. Over the years, thousands have fled to Namibia seeking sustenance and employment. Namibia has faced criticism for allegedly neglecting the rights of Angolan children facing hardship in the country. Despite displacement camps established to support displaced persons, children continue to be seen on Windhoek’s streets, hungry and living without shelter or identification. El Niño, a climate phenomenon disrupting weather patterns, is a significant factor in the drought and food insecurity that prompted many Angolan children to flee to Namibia. Angolan authorities have expressed collaboration with the Namibian government to find a solution ensuring the dignified reintegration of affected children. However, their efforts have been insufficient. In recent years, Angola has resettled repatriated children in a government-run camp in Cunene, where six children died in 2021 due to lack of shelter and food. A camp volunteer reported that many returned to Namibia due to insufficient assistance. Mere repatriation to Angolan camps is inadequate. The Angolan government must ensure the availability of effective services for returned children and their families, including accommodation, food, education, healthcare, and livelihoods, before any repatriation occurs, preventing children from returning to begging or street work in Windhoek. The 1969 Organization of African Unity Refugee Convention defines refugees as those fleeing “events seriously disturbing public order.” Namibian authorities should treat Angolans fleeing drought and food insecurity accordingly. Until Angola establishes suitable conditions for returnees, Namibia must safeguard and provide adequate care to unaccompanied children.

Conservative Manifesto 2024: Key Policies Analyzed

The Conservative Party’s manifesto for the 2024 general election outlines a range of policies covering various sectors. Here are some key highlights:

Economy

* Introduce tax cuts for businesses and individuals. * Reduce government spending. * Increase investment in infrastructure.

Education

* Increase funding for schools. * Expand grammar schools. * Introduce a national baccalaureate.

Healthcare

* Increase funding for the NHS. * Reduce waiting times for treatment. * Give patients more choice in their healthcare.

Law and Order

* Increase police numbers. * Introduce tougher sentencing for criminals. * Crack down on illegal immigration.

Immigration

* Reduce net migration to the UK. * Introduce a points-based immigration system. * Deport foreign nationals who commit crimes.

Environment

* Invest in renewable energy. * Plant more trees. * Reduce carbon emissions.

Foreign Policy

* Strengthen the UK’s defense capabilities. * Increase cooperation with NATO. * Support free trade.

Brexit

* Complete the implementation of Brexit. * Negotiate new trade agreements with other countries. * Protect British sovereignty.

Social Policy

* Introduce a national minimum wage for over-25s. * Increase the availability of affordable housing. * Support social mobility and opportunity.

Analysis

The Conservative Party’s manifesto presents a range of policies that address key issues facing the UK. Many of the proposed policies are aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving public services, and addressing social challenges. However, some critics argue that the proposals favor the wealthy and do not adequately address inequality or the climate crisis. The manifesto’s impact on the 2024 general election remains to be seen.