parties. Elections are held every five years.
Below are brief introductions to the most well-known political parties
in the United Kingdom.
Political parties in England The Conservative Party (or Tory party) was in government for two-
thirds of the twentieth century, but it has been in opposition since losing the
1997 election to the Labour Party. Its modern politics are considered to be
‘centre-right’.
The Labour Party was founded at the start of the twentieth century. In
1997 it won the general election under Tony Blair, its first since 1974. The
Party describes itself as the ‘democratic socialist party’ and is considered to
be ‘centre-left’.
The Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems.) are the third-largest party in the
UK parliament. However the Party has never been in government. Their
ideology is described as giving ‘power to the people’ with politics considered
to be ‘centre/centre-left’.
United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) has had a growing
influence in the United Kingdom. The party’s principal aim is the withdrawal
of the UK from the European Union.
British National Party (BNP) is a ‘far right’ political party which is
hugely controversial in the United Kingdom. It aims to protect native British
homogeneity by reducing UK immigration.
The Green Party’s radical politics are underpinned by core values to do
with ensuring we look after the natural environments around us.
Political parties in Scotland Parties represented in Scottish parliament are, the Scottish National
Party, Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Green
Party.
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The Scottish National party is the largest party in the Scottish
Parliament since elections in 2007. It is a ‘centre-left’ political party.
Political parties in Wales
