General Election 2024 – Digital Promises from the Main Parties
Let’s be honest technology is unlikely to be key factor for many when the country heads to the polls on the 4th July.
Nevertheless, technology professionals are closely examining the manifestos of the leading parties to understand their digital commitments.
And, in this post, we summarise the technology-focused proposals from the Liberal Democrats, Labour, and the Conservatives, based on Computer Weekly’s comprehensive analysis of their manifestos.
Please Note: – Fusion has no particular affinity with any particular party and the content below is for information only and without fear or favour.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats’ manifesto emphasises a comprehensive digital strategy aimed at delivering “a fair deal” for the UK, focusing on skills, innovation, and regulatory frameworks.
Key points include: –
Industrial Strategy
Reintroducing an industrial strategy with a focus on digital skills and sectors, investing at least 3% of GDP in R&D by 2030.
AI and Ethics
Aiming to make the UK a leader in ethical AI, the party proposes a cross-sectoral regulatory framework and international collaboration for AI standards.
Digital Infrastructure
Ensuring gigabit broadband for all and setting a UK-wide digital literacy target.
NHS and Social Care
Investing in digital tools for the NHS, ensuring compatibility of IT systems, and expanding virtual wards.
Cyber Security
Creating an Online Crime Agency to tackle illegal online activities.
Digital Bill of Rights
Proposing rights for privacy, free expression, and protection against biometric surveillance.
Public Spending
Increasing the Digital Services Tax on tech giants from 2% to 6%.
Labour Party
Labour’s manifesto outlines an ambitious plan to enhance the UK’s digital infrastructure and regulatory environment
Highlights include: –
Industrial Strategy
Establishing a statutory Industrial Strategy Council and updating planning policies to support digital infrastructure.
Digital Infrastructure
Committing to nationwide gigabit and 5G coverage by 2030.
AI Regulation
Creating a Regulatory Innovation Office to update and coordinate regulations and introducing binding regulations for AI companies.
Public Sector Reform
Utilising AI in the NHS for diagnostics and patient management, digitising children’s health records, and modernising HMRC to tackle tax avoidance.
Online Safety
Building on the Online Safety Act to protect users, especially on social media.
E-commerce and Justice
Reforming business rates to level the playing field between high street and online retailers and ensuring justice for victims of the Horizon IT scandal.
Conservative Party
The Conservatives focus on continuing existing technology policies with a few new initiatives.
Key points include: –
Digital Infrastructure
Achieving 85% gigabit broadband coverage by 2025 and nationwide 5G coverage by 2030, while investing in AI and digital expertise in the Civil Service.
R&D Investment
Increasing public R&D spending to £22bn a year and maintaining R&D tax reliefs.
NHS Technology
Investing £3.4bn in new NHS technology, enhancing the NHS App, and using AI to improve efficiency.
Children and Technology
Mandating a ban on mobile phones in schools, providing funding for enforcement, and consulting on enhanced parental controls for social media.
Technical Education
Expanding apprenticeship opportunities and continuing support for those affected by the Post Office scandal.
Each party presents a distinct vision for the future of the UK’s digital landscape, reflecting their broader economic and social priorities. These proposals will shape the technological environment in which businesses and individuals operate in the coming years.
Happy voting!
Thanks
Richard