In the race for 10 Downing Street, tech promises to take centre stage, sparking debates as fiery as a short-circuited motherboard. With just one week until the UK electorate votes, a poll from The Economist and WeThink predicts that the ruling Conservative Party is heading for a wipeout of historic proportions, with Keir Starmer’s Labour Party set to reboot the government.
Amidst the buzz of campaign slogans and policy pledges, TechInformed delves into the digital DNA of the main parties’ manifestos, unravelling how the Conservative, Green, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Reform parties plan to code the future of Britain.
From AI investment to 5G rollouts, here’s a byte-sized breakdown of ten key areas where the major parties have promised to act and what each has pledged.
1. Digital Infrastructure
According to the Digital Catapult Digital Futures Index, the UK is one of the most advanced digital economies in the world, ranking first in Europe for advanced digital technologies. In fact, only the US and China are viewed as ahead of the UK. Key pledges span investments in mobile technology, data centres, and planning reform.
Conservatives
- Continue investing in the digital, transport, and energy infrastructure needed for businesses to grow.
- Aim to keep the UK at the forefront of adopting and developing 6G technology.
- Invest in large-scale computer clusters to enhance digital infrastructure and support technological advancements.
- Promote the use of digital technologies to modernise public services and improve productivity.
Labour
- Developing a 10-year infrastructure strategy to boost digital infrastructure, benefiting mobile and broadband networks, AI, and data centres.
- Ease planning restrictions for data centres and designate major projects as nationally important to streamline approval processes.
- Supercharge tech and digital sectors through a new industrial strategy to restart the economy.
- Support the construction of data centres on brownfield sites, overcoming previous planning blocks.
Liberal Democrats
- Encourage the adoption of digital technologies to boost productivity and energy efficiency.
- Invest in new infrastructure, businesses, and technologies needed to tackle climate change.
- Promote local bespoke solutions to ensure no property is left out in rural areas.
- Support science, research, and innovation, particularly among small businesses and startups.
2. Broadband & 5G
According to regulator Ofcom, the UK ranks highly on the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index, with almost 100% of the population covered by mobile broadband and 76% of the population covered by 5G. 24 million homes have access to gigabit broadband.
Conservatives
- Reach at least 85% gigabit broadband coverage of the UK by 2025 and nationwide coverage by 2030.
- Improve 5G coverage—currently, 92% of premises can get a 5G signal outdoors from at least one mobile network operator.
- Aim for all populated areas to be covered by standalone 5G mobile connectivity.
- Keep the UK at the forefront of adopting and developing 6G technology.
Labour
- Make a renewed push to fulfil the ambition of full gigabit and national 5G coverage by 2030.
- Work with Ofcom to encourage greater infrastructure sharing or cooperative building between network operators.
- Support Project Gigabit broadband roll-out program initiated by the current government.
- Address the slow roll-out of gigabit broadband under the Conservative government.
Liberal Democrats
- Ensure gigabit broadband is available to every home and business, including rural and remote communities.
- Support local bespoke solutions to ensure no property is left out.
- Address the challenges of poor broadband connectivity undermining rural communities.
- Invest in digital infrastructure to support the growth of second homes and improve public transport.
3. Tech Innovation & Regulation
All the major parties claim they want to position the UK as a leader in tech by creating an investment-friendly regulatory structure and backing research and development.
Conservatives
- Position the UK as a science and innovation superpower with the highest level of direct government funding and tax support for R&D in the OECD.
- Scale R&D funding to a minimum of 5% of the defence budget through the new Defence Innovation Agency, focusing on new weapon systems.
- Promote financial technology (FinTech) and maintain the UK’s position as a global leader in this sector.
- Continue to support startups and small businesses with favourable tech investment policies.
Labour
- Create a new Regulatory Innovation Office to help regulators update regulations and speed up approval timelines for new technologies.
- Set up an Industrial Strategy Council to advise businesses and help harness new technologies.
- Modernise national planning policy to facilitate the construction of laboratories, digital infrastructure, and giga-factories.
- Work in partnership with industry to seize opportunities and remove barriers to growth.
Liberal Democrats
- Establish a clear, workable, and well-resourced cross-sectoral regulatory framework for AI.
- Support the development of international treaties on the principles and limits of the use of technology in modern warfare.
- Promote ethical and inclusive new technology, including artificial intelligence.
- Ensure transparency and accountability for AI systems in the public sector.
4. Tax
Tax has been a topic of significant debate during the election run-in. Rishi Sunak has pledged to cut taxes, although the UK tax burden is higher now than ever before, Labour claims. The PM has also accused rival Starmer of planning to raise taxes – though Labour has insisted it will not increase the tax burden on “working people”.
Conservatives
- Increase public spending on R&D to £22 billion annually and maintain R&D tax reliefs, simplifying and improving the system.
- Pledge £1.5 billion to support computing clusters for AI research and development.
- Implement recent changes worth £280 million a year to bring more SMEs into the scope of R&D tax reliefs.
- Support tech investment by startups and small businesses through favourable tax policies.
Labour
- Modernise HMRC and tackle tax avoidance by increasing registration and reporting requirements and strengthening HMRC’s powers.
- Support the implementation of the OECD global minimum rate of corporate taxation to ensure multinational tech companies pay their fair share.
- Invest in new technology to build capacity within HMRC.
- Focus on tax reforms that level the playing field between high street and online giants.
Liberal Democrats
- End retrospective tax changes and review IR35 tax laws to ensure fair treatment for self-employed individuals.
- Increase the Digital Services Tax on social media firms and other tech giants from 2% to 6%.
- Introduce a Research and Innovation Fund to support new and emerging technologies.
- Promote sustainable finance and support zero-carbon technologies through favourable tax policies.
5. AI (Regulation / Investment)
AI is a hot topic, and Sunak seeks to position the UK at the forefront of the GenAI revolution. Last year, the PM held the world’s first AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park.
Conservatives
- Continue investing over £1.5 billion in large-scale computer clusters to support AI development.
- Lead global work on AI safety, hosting international summits and positioning the UK as a leader in AI regulation.
- Promote and oversee the safe and responsible use of AI across various sectors.
- Support research into AI to accelerate human progress in the 21st century.
Labour
- Give the AI Safety Institute statutory footing and introduce binding regulations on companies developing powerful AI models.
- Ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes and ensure safe AI development through comprehensive legislation.
- Support the development of the AI sector through the industrial strategy.
- Introduce laws to regulate AI companies and ensure ethical AI practices.
Liberal Democrats
- Ensure transparency and accountability for AI systems in the public sector.
- Develop common standards for AI risk and impact assessment in collaboration with international partners.
- Promote the UK as a world leader in ethical, inclusive new technology, including artificial intelligence.
- Support the development of international treaties on AI use in modern warfare.
6. Data
The manifestos focus on data safety, age verification, and promoting the use of data to boost growth.
Conservatives
- Ban mobile phones in schools and strengthen online safety for children through the Online Safety Act.
- Develop effective age verification and parental controls to protect young people online.
- Implement comprehensive measures to safeguard children’s use of technology in schools.
- Support schools with funding to enforce mobile phone bans during school hours.
Labour
- Introduce its own version of the Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill, focusing on innovation and data sharing in Open Banking and Smart Data schemes.
- Explore further measures to keep everyone safe online, particularly on social media, and expand fraud strategies to tackle online threats.
- Establish a National Data Library to support data-driven public services while maintaining strong safeguards.
- Build on the existing Online Safety Act to enhance online protection for all users.
Liberal Democrats
- Introduce a Digital Bill of Rights to protect privacy, free expression, and participation without harassment.
- End bulk collection of communications data and internet connection records.
- Ensure transparency in government communications and lobbying efforts.
- Require all tech products to provide a short, straightforward version of their terms and conditions related to data and privacy.
7. Cybersecurity
Cyber threats to businesses are growing in both the number and complexity of attacks. Keeping the UK safe is no longer just a military consideration, with all major parties pledging to invest in cyber security.
Conservatives
- Recognise the threat of surging cyber threats and propose compulsory National Service for cyber defence.
- Continue strengthening cyber defences and national security laws to protect against modern threats.
- Invest in cyber security measures to safeguard national infrastructure and public services.
- Enhance collaboration with international partners to address global cyber threats.
Labour
- Conduct a Strategic Defence Review within the first year to address cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns.
- Modernise policing techniques to keep pace with modern threats, integrating new technologies into law enforcement.
- Develop a comprehensive cyber defence strategy to protect critical infrastructure.
- Ensure the UK is fully prepared to deal with hybrid warfare, including cyber-attacks.
Liberal Democrats
- Create a new Online Crime Agency to tackle illegal online content and activity.
- Implement a data strategy across the criminal justice system to manage capacity and meet the needs of all stakeholders.
- Promote digital literacy and cybersecurity education across all levels of society.
- Enhance international cooperation to combat cybercrime and protect digital infrastructure.
8. Public Sector
The UK has a massive public sector that employs more than 500,000 full-time equivalent civil servants. Training in AI and other digital tools is seen as vital to improving efficiency within the sector.
Conservatives
- Invest in digital infrastructure to support business growth and improve public services, doubling the civil service’s digital and AI expertise.
- Create 100,000 more apprenticeships in England every year by the end of the next Parliament.
- Promote the use of AI to improve efficiency and productivity in public sector operations.
- Enhance digital skills training for public sector employees to keep pace with technological advancements.
Labour
- Use AI to improve public services and create a more efficient public sector, standardising approaches to procurement and IT.
- Modernise HMRC to tackle tax avoidance by investing in new technology and capacity.
- Promote the integration of digital technologies to streamline government operations and enhance service delivery.
- Support the development of data-driven public services through the National Data Library initiative.
Liberal Democrats
- Encourage digital transformation in the public sector to boost efficiency and transparency.
- Promote innovative technologies to improve public services, particularly in social care.
- Invest in technology that improves outcomes and saves money in public services.
- Establish transparency and accountability for AI systems in the public sector.
9. NHS
The National Health Service is in crisis. The Covid-19 pandemic left waiting lists for NHS appointments at an all-time high, while an ageing population is increasing pressure on longer-term care. Recent cyber attacks against NHS partners has also sharpened focus. Can tech play a role in fixing the NHS?
Conservatives
- Invest £3.4 billion in new technology to transform the NHS, using AI to improve diagnostics and free up doctors’ and nurses’ time.
- Develop the NHS App as the single front door for NHS services, digitising processes to save time and costs.
- Fund technology to help clinicians read MRI and CT scans more quickly and accurately.
- Replace outdated computers to reduce the 13 million hours in doctors’ and nurses’ time lost to IT issues annually.
Labour
- Harness AI to transform the speed and accuracy of diagnostic services, potentially saving thousands of lives.
- Develop the NHS App further to allow patients better control over their health and digitise children’s health records.
- Exploit the revolution in data and life sciences to transform healthcare delivery.
- Invest in technology to enhance patient care and streamline NHS processes.
Liberal Democrats
- Harness new technology and digital tools to improve patient care and experience, investing in IT systems and electronic records.
- Expand projects to set up virtual wards and invest in technologies that allow people to be treated at or closer to home.
- Introduce a kitemark for health apps and digital tools that are clinically proven to help people lead healthier lives.
- Ensure all IT systems used by the NHS work together to provide seamless patient care.
10. Energy & Climate Change
The UK has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050, but balancing the cost of adopting net zero policies with the recent cost of living crisis has led to a divide between the major parties.
Conservatives
- Scale up nuclear power and invest in renewable energy to achieve net zero by 2050.
- Implement recommendations to improve energy networks and support green industries.
- Invest £1.1 billion into the Green Industries Growth Accelerator to support British manufacturing capabilities.
- Ensure the UK becomes a net exporter of electricity through strategic investments in energy infrastructure.
Labour
- Aim to make Britain a clean energy superpower with zero-carbon electricity by 2030.
- Create Great British Energy, a publicly owned company that will co-invest in leading technologies and support local energy production.
- Capitalise Great British Energy with £8.3 billion over the next parliament.
- Promote the development of new onshore wind projects and nuclear power stations.
Liberal Democrats
- Increase investment in green infrastructure, including renewable energy and zero-carbon transport.
- Commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045 at the latest.
- Accelerate the deployment of renewable power and invest in energy storage technologies.
- Establish a ten-year plan for rail electrification and invest in zero-carbon technologies.
The Green Party & Reform UK
While neither the Green Party nor the Reform Party are as detailed about tech policies in their manifestos, they each highlighted a few key areas relevant to technology and innovation. The SNP is also a major party, but we opted to focus on the major contenders because it and Plaid Cymru are not UK-wide parties.
Here’s a summary of the Green and Reform positions:
Green Party
- The Green Party emphasises investing in innovation to eliminate residual fossil fuel uses in the economy, particularly for heavy goods vehicles and mobile machinery.
- They advocate for a precautionary regulatory approach to AI, aligning with European, UNESCO, and global efforts to address AI’s risks and ensure it does not undermine human creativity or workers’ rights.
- The Greens propose a Digital Bill of Rights to enhance digital democracy and data protection, developed through inclusive public consultation. This legislation aims to safeguard elections against foreign interference, social media manipulation, and declining confidence in democracy. It will also give the public greater control over their data, ensuring UK data protection is as strong as any other regulatory regime.
- On energy and climate change, the Green Party plans to require all newly built homes to maximise the use of solar panels, heat pumps, or equivalent low-carbon technologies.
- They aim for wind to provide around 70% of the UK’s electricity by 2030 and propose no new oil and gas licenses, ending all subsidies to these industries.
- The Greens support community ownership of energy sources, allowing profits from selling excess energy to benefit local communities.
- They advocate for the rapid increase in the use of green hydrogen for necessary industrial use and energy storage technologies, seeking investment opportunities through academic-industry partnerships.
Reform Party
- The Reform Party’s manifesto lacks specific details on many tech-related areas but emphasises regenerating Britain’s defence manufacturing and technology sectors through incentives and tax breaks. They aim to improve defence and technology equipment self-sufficiency and manufacture world-class products for export.
- The Reform Party proposes using technology to reduce police paperwork, adopting new construction technologies like modular construction, and creating a national database for integrated transport infrastructure projects to minimise roadworks and delays, leading to less waste and fewer disruptions.
- The Reform Party is critical of current Net Zero policies, arguing that they are too costly and harm the economy.
- Instead, they advocate for using technology to achieve cleaner energy solutions. Their energy strategy includes fast-tracking clean nuclear energy with new small modular reactors built in Britain.
- They also support increasing and incentivising UK lithium mining for electric batteries, combined cycle gas turbines, clean synthetic fuel, and clean coal mining.
- The party believes these technologies can provide cleaner energy while preserving jobs and keeping energy bills manageable.