2015 Tech General Election Manifestos

By April 28, 2015April 30th, 2015EU insight

Now that all the party political parties have published their manifestos ahead of the general election next week, Political Intelligence has taken a look at what various they have in store for the technology sector.

With the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the election leading to rumours of possible future coalitions or agreements for parties to work together on certain issues, reviewing what all parties are saying is increasingly important. This is reinforced by the polls indicating a potential bloodbath in seats for the Liberal Democrats, an SNP surge making huge inroads into Labour’s Westminster dominance in Scotland as well as the influential role that the DUP could now play. It leaves several questions as to who will be potential ‘kingmakers’ in the 2015 Parliament. 

Political Intelligence has looked at what all of the main parties have been saying across six key technology policy issues: broadband, communications data, content, cyber security, digital government, tax avoidance and tech. Detailed comparisons follow but some of the key findings include:

  • All parties, bar UKIP, call for greater investment and ambition in broadband rollout
  • We are set for significant changes to the communications data regime, though the exact nature of what is agreed is up for debate, with all parties calling for change but differences over how targeted the powers should be
  • Labour stress the importance of digital skills to bridge the digital divide
  • The Conservatives are supportive of entrepreneurship with specific measures to help start-ups
  • Revenue from cracking down on tax avoidance is set to pay for a number of other spending commitments despite criticism from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that the plans lack clarity and detail
  • The Liberal Democrats and Greens are strong supporters of Digital Rights

Given the current unlikelihood of an outright majority for any party, it will be important for all organisations who engage with Government to be up to speed on the new developments as soon as possible and to consider how a new coalition (potentially of more than two parties) may impact their sectors.

We will be helping clients both new and old to:

  • Identify key influencers of relevance to their businesses across all political parties;
  • Analyse the policy priorities within the first Queen’s Speech of the new Parliament;
  • Develop a proposed public affairs engagement strategy for the initial 6/12 months of the new Parliament;
  • Develop the necessary messaging and briefing collateral to resonate most effectively among key audiences.

If you would like to consider an initial strategy workshop to discuss your current plans post-election or would like discuss ways in which Political Intelligence could support your organisation in your public affairs activity, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 3397 3300 or our Group Managing Director Nicholas Lansman for further information.

The full document is here