Manifestos in a nutshell

The main UK-wide political parties have now all launched their manifestos. The Countryside Alliance has reviewed each manifesto in respect to the countryside.

Conservative Manifesto

Overall the Conservative Manifesto recognises the needs of rural communities. It outlines how, if in Government, it will roll-out gigabit broadband to all areas of the countryside, tackle rural crime, improve rural transport and review business rates with the intention of making them fairer. The Conservative Party also pledge not to make any changes to the Hunting Act, which is a position that the Countryside Alliance understands at this current time. Of course, we will continue to campaign to review the Hunting Act, a flawed piece of legislation that has failed at every level.

Labour Manifesto

The Labour Manifesto has addressed some rural issues like transport and farming. However, for the most part the manifesto has not addressed more nuanced issues in rural communities. For example, Labour's broadband proposal to renationalise BT risks delaying broadband delivery by removing private investment and stifling competition, especially in the most remote areas of the countryside. It also looks to ban hunting again, with which is not a position the Countryside Alliance can agree. However, the inclusion of a rural-proofing policy is welcome, and such a policy will no doubt force government departments to explore different approaches when developing and implementing policies.

Liberal Democrat Manifesto

The Liberal Democrat Manifesto was the only manifesto to make sure rural communities were recognised in each policy area. However, we are concerned with their proposal to reform business tax, which may penalise those in rural communities, particularly farmers. Their proposal to reform business tax coupled with reforms to agricultural subsidies lacks details and should be approached with caution.

Green Party

Green in name but not in nature. Their manifesto does not respect the interests of those in rural communities and looks to ban all field sports. It seems the Green Party would rather work against the countryside than with it.

Brexit Party

Not a manifesto, but a 'contract'. It does not recognise rural communities specifically and is notably short on detail.

You can view links to the party manifestos here and read further analysis of the manifestos by the Countryside Alliance here.