BRITAIN - Politics

The Bristish House of Parliament and Big Ben under a cloudy night sky. The building and clock tower is lit up in an orange glow. The river Thames flows infront with the light reflecting on it.

➡️ BRITISH POLITICS - Elections, Political Parties & Key Issues

Britain is currently under the leadership of its fifth prime minister in six years. They are still suffering the fallout of EU separation, on top of an economic crisis, a weak currency, nationwide general strikes, a crumbling healthcare system, poor management of the Covid-19 pandemic, and crippling austerity measures. Years of political turmoil have left the population exasperated and demanding change.

Learn about the consequences of 13 years of Conservative governing, the lack of public confidence in the alternatives, the growing popularity of right-wing narratives, and dissatisfaction under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Jump straight to our resources on ➡️ British Politics

Explore our comprehensive guides on -

General & Local Elections
UK Political Parties
Key Politicians & Governance
Key Political Issues Including Economy, Immigration, NHS & Austerity
Human Rights Guide
Guide to British Media, Alternative Media & Critical Comment
British Peace Movements & NGOs

Keir Starmer the leader of the UK Labour Party stands in the House of Commons infront of a microphone wearing a blue suit and red tie

British Elections, Political Parties & Key Politicians

With over 1,000 links on general elections, navigating past and upcoming UK elections has never been easier. Find a collection of the most informative and reliable news sources, directories, and useful tools for voters.

Check out our political party guide to stay informed on policies, leadership contests, and the Labour Party, the Conservatives, the Green Party, Reform UK and other key contenders.

Stay up to date on the most divisive, contentious, and influential British prime ministers, MPs, and party leaders such as current PM Keir Starmer, as well as Rishi Sunak, Jeremy Corbyn, George Galloway, Tony Blair, and Margaret Thatcher.

What are the Key Political Issues in Britain?

Without a doubt, Britain is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent decades. Years of a struggling UK economy and budget cuts and austerity programmes under the Conservative government have pushed the British population to their limits.

Learn more about economic inequality, the financial sector, the ongoing housing crisis, and comprehensive analysis of Brexit and the resulting economic, social, and environmental fallout.

Low pay, poor working conditions, spiralling inflation, and years of NHS dismantling and privatisation have forced nurses and paramedics to strike for better pay. Trade unions are working hard to secure a livable wage for healthcare workers and other public sector workers, including those in rail and transport, education, and postal services.

Many people gather in the streets of London to show their desire for Britain to stay in Europe. Many demonstrators hold EU flags, and banners against Brexit.

The Ukraine War and the resulting sanctions on Russia have been disastrous for British energy prices. The government has refused to implement a windfall tax on oil and gas companies despite their profits spilling into the billions. The 2022/23 winter of discontent has produced some of the largest-scale industrial action ever seen.

In an assault on freedoms, the new Public Order Bill gave British police additional powers, allowing them to shut down peaceful protests. The Kill the Bill demonstrations that followed clearly showed the people's anguish at further attempts by the Conservatives to scrap the Human Rights Act.

Other contentious issues include ongoing calls for Scottish independence, British involvement in tax dodging, and strict immigration laws. Regarding foreign policy, find information on U.S. relations, controversial involvement in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Libya 2011 uprising, and complicity in war crimes in Syria and Yemen.

Great Britain is one of the world's biggest players in the deadly arms trade. They maintain a large stockpile of nuclear warheads and are a member of the controversial AUKUS pact. Read more about the British military, its gigantic defence budget, and the peace and human rights organisations calling for sanity, such as CAAT and CND UK.

Better World Info is an excellent platform for British politics. Get the complete picture here with perspectives from the fields of social justice, peace, environmentalism, and human rights.

Author: Rachael Mellor, 08.03.23 (Updated 18.06.25) licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0

For further reading on British Politics see below ⬇️

Info on BRITAIN - Politics

Hot Topics

Protesters stand in a green park holding signs calling for free education and a tax on the rich

Wealth Taxes for a Fairer Britain – Tax the Rich

The tax system in the UK is broken – most millionaires and billionaires pay lower tax rates than ordinary people. The bottom percentage of low earners pay 44%, twice the amount of those in the top 0.01%! This is worsening inequalities, contributes to the cost-of-living crisis, and strips the government of tax payers' money which could be used for education, healthcare, social security etc. People are calling for tax increases on the wealthiest to help fight poverty and ensure that the rich pay a fairer share. Even a modest tax increase of 0.03% on the richest would generate more than £10 billion.

Wealth Taxes for a Fairer Britain – Tax the Rich

A group of older men and women sitting on chairs smiling holding painted plates about not selling the NHS

Privatization of the NHS

Despite huge unpopularity from the general public, and promises to not sell, Johnson’s Conservative government continues to threaten the British healthcare system. Contracts have been signed to outsource more and more operations. The threat of a post-Brexit UK/US deal is ever looming. We explore the cuts, the protests, and key updates here.

Privatization of the NHS

Nigel Farage wearing a white pinstripe suit addresses a Reform UK rally at Trago Mills, Devon

Reform UK – Right-wing Political Party

Led by Nigel Farage, Reform UK gained traction at the 2024 General Election winning five seats, propelling them into parliament for the first time. Their controversial campaign pledges included freezing non-essential immigration, scrapping net-zero climate targets and green subsidies, and leaving the European Convention on Human Rights. Public discontent with the Labour and Conservative parties has resulted in the continued growth of their popularity. A shocking poll from February 2025 revealed that Reform UK are now perceived as both stronger and more trustworthy than the Tories.

Reform UK – Right-wing Political Party

Caricatures of Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer stand either side of a ballot box. There is a map of the UK in the background with the British flag on it and ballot papers with the main candidates are flying in the air.

UK General Election - 4 July 2024

Since the Brexit vote in 2016, the UK has endured a revolving door of Prime Ministers, bringing with it instability, weak economic performance, and lack of leadership. This July Brits will take to the polls in what is predicted to be a landslide Labour victory. With little to differentiate the policies between the two main parties and both struggling with internal divisions and controversies, Better World Info highlights the merits of independent candidates and outsider parties which could offer a fresh hope for the British public who are ready for change.

UK General Election - 4 July 2024

Brexit UK - an ongoing tragedy

On the 23rd of June 2016, a referendum was held for the UK's withdrawal from the EU. With a mere 51.9 percent supporting the separation, based on migrant fear, false promises, voter exclusion and lies, the UK is due to separate from the EU in January 2021. Keep track on the latest news here.

Brexit UK - an ongoing tragedy

A view of British troops from behind who are standing infront of a British flag

UK Military Budget & Alternative Security

Tired of bloated military budgets, underfunded peace efforts, and lack of social investment – Rethinking Security are looking to curb military spending by challenging government policies that fail citizens and the planet. After four failed wars, the Covid-19 pandemic, damning climate reports, and now the cost-of-living crisis, can the government still justify massive military budgets with the very low probability of future military threats? Let's prioritise non-violent conflict resolution which tackles the root causes of wars. Focus on sustainable spending and use of resources, reject all involvement with nuclear weapons, including funding, and restrict arms exports.

UK Military Budget & Alternative Security

Brexit - where are we now?

Since the UK referendum in 2016, the world has watched the withdrawal process from the EU with curious eyes. From the very beginning it was marred with deadlocks, voting controversy, delays, extensions, and a seemingly never-ending transition period. We cover the trade deals, Article 50, the economy, environment, energy, and many more issues yet to be agreed on.

Brexit - where are we now?

Pro's and con's of high speed rail in the UK

To cope with increasing passenger numbers work has commenced on a second high-speed rail line in the UK. Great for commuters, not so much for the environment or anything sitting in its path. Delays and further reviews have set back progress over various concerns including noise, CO2 emissions, and the destruction of ancient woodlands.

Pro's and con's of high speed rail in the UK

Suggest a link