This article is part of a blog series published in partnership with Academics Stand Against Poverty UK, as they develop their third manifesto audit in the build up to the 2024 election. They will analyse the policies in the manifestos in relation to poverty to assess how confident they are that they will enable British society to flourish.
From Ukraine to Gaza, the UK is at a crossroads in terms of how it steps up to the challenge of humanitarian aid and the eradication of poverty at a global level. The upcoming general election is a decisive moment to place aid and development back on the policy agenda.
Now is the time that will shape not just our international reputation but also the way our children will live their lives. As we approach the 2024 general election, this is a crucial moment for both our leaders and ourselves to consider what paths we choose, to attend to the pressing issues on our doorsteps.
Humanitarian assistance
The war in Gaza is just one reminder of how much humanitarian support is needed around the world. But that’s not all there is to it. Economic gulfs driving through our own society need to be examined as well. It’s about time Britain took part in a global pledge, not just responding to emergencies with quick fixes, but also addressing inequality at its source – be it through tax reform, affordable housing or accessible quality healthcare, and education for all. These are more than mere policies; they serve as life jackets for those who have been caught up in the cost-of-living crisis threatening to create a rift within our society between the rich and poor.
Inequality erodes the fabric of our society. This problem cannot be solved without considering its effects on our social structure. The high costs of living, job insecurity and cuts in public services have hammered pockets of our society, and mitigating measures have become indispensable for national health and welfare.
Climate change
The UK’s Net Zero Strategy is a step toward addressing climate change and aligning governments with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that will be of great importance for the country’s future economic and societal development. That said, moving towards a sustainable economy involves much more than this; it will entail committing to stringent measures to protect the environment and funding renewable energies.
Climate change poses a threat to the life of this planet with significant ramifications for national security, human welfare and economic prosperity. With SDG targets off track, politicians must put at the centre of their agenda climate-smart policies that will be critical to protecting our environment and guaranteeing the survival of generations to come.
Gender equality
Policy makers should step up their game and promote policies that aim to reduce gender-based disparities. Recent studies have shown that targeted funding and policy interventions are key to addressing gender disparity. Such a gendered approach is essential if we are to capitalise on half of humanity against the backdrop of emerging societal challenges.
Gender equality and social protections are not simply moral duties but also economic ones. They foster dynamic inclusive economies, reduce poverty levels and improve the flourishing potential of citizens.
Eradicating child poverty
In the UK, the fight against child poverty is at a critical juncture with 4.3 million children living in relative poverty after housing costs – 100,000 more than last year. Groups most affected include families with many children, single parents and disabled or ethnic minority households.
Child poverty is like a litmus test indicating where society stands morally as well as its chances of improving. Poverty does not only affect children’s immediate wellbeing but also has long-term implications on their future success opportunities. Actions such as lifting the two-child limit and making sure there is a ‘child lock’ on social security benefits could bring relief to families who are really suffering. Such measures will not only relieve the present pain but also prevent poverty from becoming entrenched for future generations. Fighting child poverty is an indication of our core societal values as well as a necessary investment in the future. By dealing with it now, Britain can break the chain of poverty and establish a more just society where all children have an opportunity to flourish.
The scale as well as the intricacy of the challenges in front of us demand a collective strategic response. In turbulent times like these, the UK government needs to embrace an inclusive approach enabled by the electorate’s wishes. This requires a determination to address not only the symptoms of global crises, but also their root causes.
It is essential for all stake holders – such as policy makers, civil society and voters – to have an inclusive conversation about our future as we approach defining elections. The government cannot afford to jettison those issues since they are responsibilities both on an international scale, but also necessary conditions for ensuring the domestic stability, security and welfare of its population.
It is in voters’ interests to learn about the various political parties’ plan to handle these challenges, since their policies will guide the way of UK development in the near future and its standing in the world.
In the run-up to national elections, ASAP UK’s Manifesto Audit will act as an indispensable lead for voters. By translating convoluted policies into rankings, it will enable members of the public to make wise decisions today about what they want for their country tomorrow.
Gerardo Arriaga is a Head of Research at the Quality Assurance Higher Education and Dissertation Coordinator for Solent University-QAHE partnership. He is a board member of Academics Stand Against Poverty, member of the Climate Justice and Social Policy Group at the Social Policy Association. His areas of expertise include social policy, poverty, international development and conditional cash transfer programmes in the Global South.
Read all the articles in the Academics Stand Against Poverty blog series here.
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