Pledge or hedge?
“Whichever political party wins the General Election 2024, online platforms can expect further regulation coming their way as a priority, including through the expansion of the Online Safety Act 2023. Every party except the Conservatives commits to increase regulation of AI, and every party except Labour indicates it will protect IP in the context of the training and output of AI models. The parties do diverge in their approaches to human rights and media regulation, including whether to implement Leveson 2, and ESG. Reform of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and data protection laws find no political support among any of the parties and only the Liberal Democrats pledge to introduce legislation to tackle SLAPPs.”
We’ve read each of the major UK political parties’ manifestos for the General Election 2024 - so you don’t have to - and have extracted the pledges relevant to cyber security, data protection, online safety, artificial intelligence (AI), digital markets, content regulation, reputation management, open justice, access to information, human rights and ESG.
Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrat and Green Party General Election 2024 Manifestos
Online Safety
Every party says that it would build upon the protections introduced in the Online Safety Act 2023.
Conservative Party
“We will put our guidance on banning mobile phones in the school day on a statutory footing which will require all schools to operate a ban, as the best schools already do. We will provide funding for schools to help them ban mobile phones where they need it.”
“We will urgently consult on introducing further parental controls over access to social media. We know this is a complex area and we need more effective age verification and parental controls. That’s why we will consult widely to get this right, including developing the necessary technology, in partnership with other countries who are considering similar measures. We expect to build on the existing responsibilities set out for social media companies under the Online Safety Act.”
“We will legislate to create new offences for… the creation of sexualised deepfake images and taking intimate images without consent.”
“We will carefully consider the recommendations of Baroness Bertin’s Independent Review of Pornography and ensure we have the right safeguards in place to protect against any harmful impacts of the industry.”
Labour Party
“We will update the rules around counterextremism, including online, to stop people being radicalised and drawn towards hateful ideologies.”
“Labour will ensure the safe development and use of AI models by introducing binding regulation on the handful of companies developing the most powerful AI models and by banning the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes.”
“Labour will build on the Online Safety Act, bringing forward provisions as quickly as possible, and explore further measures to keep everyone safe online, particularly when using social media. We will also give coroners more powers to access information held by technology companies after a child’s death.”
“Recognising the evolution of the gambling landscape since 2005, Labour will reform gambling regulation, strengthening protections. We will continue to work with the industry on how to ensure responsible gambling.”
Liberal Democrats
“Introducing a new kitemark for health apps and digital tools that are clinically proven to help people lead healthier lives.”
“Setting up an independent advocacy body for children’s safety online.”
“Creating a new Online Crime Agency to effectively tackle illegal content and activity online, such as personal fraud, revenge porn and threats and incitement to violence on social media.”
“Restricting gambling advertising.”
“Introducing a Digital Bill of Rights to protect everyone’s rights online, including the rights to privacy, free expression, and participation without being subjected to harassment and abuse.”
“Require social media companies to publish reports setting out the action they have taken to address online abuse against women and girls, and other groups who share a protected characteristic.”
“Introducing public awareness campaigns about emerging threats and misinformation campaigns online.”
“Pushing for a global convention or treaty to combat disinformation and electoral interference, supplemented by an annual conference and Global Counter-Disinformation Fund, to safeguard and promote democracy at home as well as abroad.”
Green Party
“Amend the Online Safety Act to protect democracy, and prevent political debate from being manipulated by falsehoods, fakes and half-truths.”
“Elected Greens would push to establish the UK as a leading voice on standards for the rule of law and democracy in digital spaces with a Digital Bill of Rights to ensure independent regulation of social media providers. This legislation will safeguard elections by responding to the challenges of foreign interference, social media and declining confidence in democracy.”
Human Rights
Every party suggests that they would amend the Equality Act 2010, albeit in different ways. Only the Conservative Party suggests that it would be prepared to resile from the European Convention on Human Rights, adherence to which is a requirement of membership of the Council of Europe. While the Conservative Party suggests that it would encourage greater use of facial recognition technologies for law enforcement purposes, the Liberal Democrats indicate that they would immediately halt its use for such purposes and would introduce new regulations governing biometric surveillance, whereas the Labour and Green Party manifestos are silent on this issue.
Conservative Party
“Protect female-only spaces and competitiveness in sport by making clear that sex means biological sex in the Equality Act.”
“We will stand up for those persecuted for their faith and put the existing role of Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief on a statutory footing. We will promote international media freedom and work to end human trafficking and modern slavery.”
“If we are forced to choose between our security and the jurisdiction of a foreign court, including the ECtHR, we will always choose our security.”
“Back the police, by giving officers new powers and tools to catch criminals, including technology like facial recognition”
“We will introduce further powers to ban face coverings, pyrotechnics and climbing on war memorials.”
“We will strengthen police powers to prevent protests or marches that pose a risk of serious disorder, by allowing police to take into account the cumulative impact of protests. We will ban protests outside schools to stop mobs from intimidating teachers and children.”
“We will place a duty on the police and prosecutors to publish regular guidance on the statements, chants or symbols, for example, the swastika or the term ‘jihad’, that in the context of political protest may constitute an offence. We will explore ways for the police to recover some of the costs of policing disruptive protests from the groups that organise them.”
“… introduce primary legislation to clarify that the protected characteristic of sex in the Equality Act means biological sex. This will guarantee that single sex services and single sex spaces can be provided, for example in healthcare and sports settings, to ensure women and girls are protected. We are clear that on fundamental matters of personal identity there should be one approach across the country, so we will also legislate so that an individual can only have one sex in the eyes of the law in the United Kingdom.”
Labour Party
“Britain will unequivocally remain a member of the European Convention on Human Rights.”
“Labour will introduce a ‘Hillsborough Law’ which will place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities, and provide legal aid for victims of disasters or state-related deaths.”
“we will enact the socio-economic duty in the Equality Act 2010.”
“Labour will introduce a landmark Race Equality Act, to enshrine in law the full right to equal pay for Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority people, strengthen protections against dual discrimination and root out other racial inequalities.”
“Our plan to Make Work Pay will transform the lives of working women, including by strengthening rights to equal pay and protections from maternity and menopause discrimination and sexual harassment. And Labour will take action to reduce the gender pay gap, building on the legacy of Barbara Castle’s Equal Pay Act.”
“we will introduce disability and ethnicity pay gap reporting for large employers.”
“Labour will protect LGBT+ and disabled people by making all existing strands of hate crime an aggravated offence.”
Liberal Democrats
“We will champion the UK’s Human Rights Act and resist any attempts to weaken or repeal it.”
“Placing human rights, labour and environmental standards and protection at the heart of international trade deals.”
“Make care experience a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 to strengthen the rights of people who are in or have been in care.”
“Incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into UK law.”
“Ensure a sustainable future for football clubs and give fans a stronger voice by… Strengthening the propriety test for prospective owners and directors by including human rights questions.”
“Scrap the Conservatives’ draconian anti-protest laws, restoring pre-existing protections for both peaceful assembly and public safety, and immediately halt the use of live facial recognition surveillance by the police and private companies.”
“Ending the bulk collection of communications data and internet connection records.”
“Introducing a legally binding regulatory framework for all forms of biometric surveillance.”
“Requiring large employers to monitor and publish data on gender, ethnicity, disability, and LGBT+ employment levels, pay gaps and progression, and publish five-year aspirational diversity targets.
“Incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into UK law.”
“Controlling arms exports to countries with poor human rights records.”
“Introduce a ‘presumption of denial’ for arms exports to governments listed as human rights concerns in the Foreign Office’s annual human rights report.”
“Using the UK’s Magnitsky sanctions to stand up against human rights abuses.”
Green Party
“We will require all large and medium-size companies to carry out equal pay audits and redress any inequality uncovered both in terms of equal pay for equal work, and unfair recruitment and retention practices.”
“Green MPs will push for pay-gap protections to be extended to all protected characteristics including ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation.”
“The Green Party is committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Court of Human Rights.”
“Elected Greens will: Defend the Human Rights Act; Support continued direct access to ECHR rights in the domestic courts; Restore legal aid for public law cases so everybody can uphold their rights in court; Protect the right to religious expression; Scrap the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, Public Order Act and other legislation that erodes the right to protest and to free expression.”
“Elected Greens will push to: Make misogyny a hate crime across the UK”
“Green MPs will work towards: Re-joining the EU as soon as the domestic political situation is favourable and EU member states are willing.”
Data Protection
After he Conservative government’s third attempt to reform the UK’s data protection law post-Brexit, the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill fell during the wash up period following the announcement of the General Election 2024, only the Green Party commits to amending data protection law although as the Green Party also commits to re-joining the EU this would ultimately be constrained within the bounds of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). While the Conservative Party suggests that it would encourage greater use of facial recognition technologies for law enforcement purposes, the Liberal Democrats indicate that they would immediately halt its use for such purposes and would introduce new regulations governing biometric surveillance, whereas the Labour and Green Party manifestos are silent on this issue. Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats commit to pre-Brexit style law enforcement data sharing with the EU.
Conservative Party
“digitise NHS processes through the Federated Data Platform.”
“Back the police, by giving officers new powers and tools to catch criminals, including technology like facial recognition”
“We will ban SIM farms, which are used to send bulk messages for fraudulent texts, and ban cold calls on financial products so fraudsters cannot dupe people into buying fake investments.”
“We will help individuals and small businesses bring cases against wealthier opponents with legislation to support third party funding of litigation.”
Labour Party
“We will seek a new security agreement with the EU to ensure access to real-time intelligence and enable our policing teams to lead joint investigations with their European counterparts.”
Liberal Democrats
“Empower consumers and ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of new technology, by setting a UK-wide target for digital literacy and requiring all products to provide a short, clear version of their terms and conditions, setting out the key facts as they relate to individuals’ data and privacy.”
“Protecting patient data and patients’ rights to opt out of data sharing.”
“Ensuring every care setting has electronic records that can feed into a patient’s health record with the patient’s consent.”
“Restoring direct, real-time access for UK police to EU-wide data sharing systems to identify and arrest traffickers, terrorists and other international criminals.”
“immediately halt the use of live facial recognition surveillance by the police and private companies.”
“Ending the bulk collection of communications data and internet connection records.”
“Introducing a legally binding regulatory framework for all forms of biometric surveillance.”
Green Party
“Every worker will have a right to access their data and to appeal management decisions. Gig employers that repeatedly breach data protection, employment or tax law will be denied licences to operate.”
“The Digital Bill of Rights will give the public greater control over their data, ensuring UK data protection is as strong as any other regulatory regime. Given the complexity of this legislation, elected Greens will push for the Bill to be developed through a broad and inclusive public conversation.”
“Green MPs will work towards: Re-joining the EU as soon as the domestic political situation is favourable and EU member states are willing.”
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
All the parties except the Conservatives indicate that they would expand the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), notwithstanding Conservative peer Lord Holmes’ Artificial Intelligence (Regulation) Bill having made it to Third Reading in the House of Lords in the last Parliament. Every party except Labour suggests that it would take action in relation to the protection of intellectual property in connection with the training of AI models.
Conservative Party
“We will bolster the Hiroshima Accord with Japan”
“We will implement a new medtech pathway so that cost-effective medtech, including AI, is rapidly adopted throughout the NHS.”
“Use AI to free up doctors’ and nurses’ time for frontline patient care.”
“Back the police, by giving officers new powers and tools to catch criminals, including technology like facial recognition”
“We will legislate to create new offences for… the creation of sexualised deepfake images…”
“We will ensure creators are properly protected and remunerated for their work, whilst also making the most of the opportunities of AI and its applications for creativity in the future.”
Labour Party
“We will ensure our industrial strategy supports the development of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, removes planning barriers to new datacentres. And we will create a National Data Library to bring together existing research programmes and help deliver data-driven public services, whilst maintaining strong safeguards and ensuring all of the public benefit.”
“Labour will create a new Regulatory Innovation Office, bringing together existing functions across government. This office will help regulators update regulation, speed up approval timelines, and co-ordinate issues that span existing boundaries.”
“Labour will ensure the safe development and use of AI models by introducing binding regulation on the handful of companies developing the most powerful AI models and by banning the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes.”
Liberal Democrats
“We will make the UK a world leader in ethical, inclusive new technology, including artificial intelligence, and a global centre for the development, manufacture and export of clean technologies.”
“Create a clear, workable and well-resourced cross-sectoral regulatory framework for artificial intelligence that: Promotes innovation while creating certainty for AI users, developers and investors; Establishes transparency and accountability for AI systems in the public sector; Ensures the use of personal data and AI is unbiased, transparent and accurate, and respects the privacy of innocent people.”
“Negotiate the UK’s participation in the Trade and Technology Council with the US and the EU, so we can play a leading role in global AI regulation, and work with international partners in agreeing common standards for AI risk and impact assessment, testing, monitoring and audit.”
“support modern and flexible patent, copyright and licensing rules.”
“Support and promote the development of international treaties on the principles and limits of the use of technology in modern warfare.”
Green Party
“Elected Greens will push for a precautionary regulatory approach to the harms and risk of AI. We would align the UK approach with our neighbours in Europe, UNESCO and global efforts to support a coordinated response to future risks of AI. We will also aim to secure equitable access to any socially and environmentally responsible benefits these technologies can bring, at the same time as addressing any bias, discrimination, equality, liberty or privacy issues arising from the use of AI. We would insist on the protection of the Intellectual Property of artists, writers and musicians and other creators. We would ensure that AI does not erode the value of human creativity and that workers’ rights and interests are respected when AI leads to significant changes in working conditions.”
Reputation Management
While the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party confirm that they would pursue Leveson 2, the Conservatives confirm that they would not do so whereas the Labour Party manifesto is silent on the issue. Despite the Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill, a private members bill introduced by a Labour MP but which achieved cross-party support, having fallen during the wash up period, only the Liberal Democrats pledge to re-introduce legislation to tackle so-called SLAPPs.
Conservative Party
“The Conservative Party is a strong defender of freedom of speech and freedom of the press. We oppose state regulation and control of the press, including any attempt to bring forward Leveson 2 or re-open the Royal Charter on self-regulation of the press.”
Labour Party
“We will ensure members of devolved legislatures have the same free speech protections enjoyed by MPs at Westminster, so elected representatives can hold power to account.”
Liberal Democrats
“Support independent, Leveson-compliant regulation to ensure privacy, quality, diversity and choice in both print and online media, and proceed with Part Two of the Leveson Inquiry.”
“Pass a comprehensive ‘Anti-SLAPP Law’ to provide robust protection for free speech, whistleblowers and media scrutiny against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation.”
Green Party
“We would implement the recommendations of the 2012 Leveson Report and reinstate the second part of that crucial review to ensure the UK media are held to the highest ethical standards.”
Content Regulation
The Green Party would restrict media ownership and the Liberal Democrats would increase broadcasting regulation and enhance advertising regulations. The Conservative Party would introduce further reforms of the BBC’s complaints process, over which Ofcom already has a role. While the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party confirm that they would pursue Leveson 2, the Conservatives confirm that they would not do so whereas the Labour Party manifesto is silent on the issue.
Conservative Party
“We will carefully consider the recommendations of Baroness Bertin’s Independent Review of Pornography and ensure we have the right safeguards in place to protect against any harmful impacts of the industry.”
“We will introduce a new complaints process for the BBC so the BBC does not mark its own homework.”
“We oppose state regulation and control of the press, including any attempt to bring forward Leveson 2 or re-open the Royal Charter on self-regulation of the press.”
Labour Party
“We will update the rules around counterextremism, including online, to stop people being radicalised and drawn towards hateful ideologies.”
“We will work constructively with the BBC and our other public service broadcasters so they continue to inform, educate and entertain people, and support the creative economy by commissioning distinctively British content.”
Liberal Democrats
“Protecting children from exposure to junk food by supporting local authorities to restrict outdoor advertising and restricting TV advertising to post-watershed.”
“Require at least 80% of on-demand TV content to be subtitled, 10% audio-described and 5% signed.”
“Restricting gambling advertising.”
“Exposing and confronting the stereotyping, demagoguery and hate speech in public life and the media that inflames hatred and leads to spikes in hate crimes.”
“Mandating the provision of televised leaders’ debates in general elections, based on rules produced by Ofcom.”
“Support independent, Leveson-compliant regulation to ensure privacy, quality, diversity and choice in both print and online media, and proceed with Part Two of the Leveson Inquiry.”
Green Party
“Elected Greens will push for effective regulation of both traditional and social media, safeguarding our democracy and the spaces for shared cultural expression. They will also protect local media to support local democracy.”
“Elected Greens will push for rules on media to be tightened so that no individual or company owns more than 20% of a media market.”
“We would implement the recommendations of the 2012 Leveson Report and reinstate the second part of that crucial review to ensure the UK media are held to the highest ethical standards.”
Media & Platform Regulation
Every party indicates that it would implement further regulation of online platforms. Only the Conservative Party commits to further reform of the BBC, committing to introducing further reforms of the BBC’s complaints process, over which Ofcom already has a role. None of the parties explicitly state that they will reform the funding of the BBC.
Conservative Party
“We will urgently consult on introducing further parental controls over access to social media. We know this is a complex area and we need more effective age verification and parental controls. That’s why we will consult widely to get this right, including developing the necessary technology, in partnership with other countries who are considering similar measures. We expect to build on the existing responsibilities set out for social media companies under the Online Safety Act.”
“We will support the BBC World Service, expand the use of the English language worldwide and champion English learning around the globe.”
“We will carefully consider the findings of the [BBC] Funding Review ahead of the next Royal Charter and ensure it upholds these principles.”
“We will introduce a new complaints process for the BBC so the BBC does not mark its own homework.”
“We will help individuals and small businesses bring cases against wealthier opponents with legislation to support third party funding of litigation.”
Labour Party
“Labour will introduce a new expanded fraud strategy to tackle the full range of threats, including online, public sector and serious fraud. We will work with technology companies to stop their platforms being exploited by fraudsters.”
“We will work constructively with the BBC and our other public service broadcasters so they continue to inform, educate and entertain people, and support the creative economy by commissioning distinctively British content.”
Liberal Democrats
“Protect the BBC, S4C, BBC Alba and Channel 4 as independent, publicly owned, public service broadcasters.”
“Require at least 80% of on-demand TV content to be subtitled, 10% audio-described and 5% signed.”
“Require social media companies to publish reports setting out the action they have taken to address online abuse against women and girls, and other groups who share a protected characteristic.”
“Pushing for a global convention or treaty to combat disinformation and electoral interference, supplemented by an annual conference and Global Counter-Disinformation Fund, to safeguard and promote democracy at home as well as abroad.”
“Increasing the Digital Services Tax on social media firms and other tech giants from 2% to 6%.”
Green Party
“Elected Greens will push for effective regulation of both traditional and social media, safeguarding our democracy and the spaces for shared cultural expression. They will also protect local media to support local democracy.”
“Elected Greens will push for rules on media to be tightened so that no individual or company owns more than 20% of a media market.”
“Elected Greens would push to establish the UK as a leading voice on standards for the rule of law and democracy in digital spaces with a Digital Bill of Rights to ensure independent regulation of social media providers. This legislation will safeguard elections by responding to the challenges of foreign interference, social media and declining confidence in democracy.”
Cyber Security
Cyber resilience doesn’t feature heavily for either the Conservative or Labour parties in their manifesto pledges. Despite significant lobbying by a section of the cyber security industry, none of the parties commit to reforming the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
Labour Party
“Alongside greater conventional threats, we are faced with the growing emergence of hybrid warfare, including cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns which seek to subvert our democracy. To ensure the UK is fully prepared to deal with these interconnected threats, Labour will conduct a Strategic Defence Review within our first year in government, and we will set out the path to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.”
Liberal Democrats
“We will work across borders to provide safe and legal routes to sanctuary for refugees and tackle common threats such as human trafficking, cybercrime and terrorism.”
“Creating a new Online Crime Agency to effectively tackle illegal content and activity online, such as personal fraud, revenge porn and threats and incitement to violence on social media.”
“Developing closer cooperation with EU agencies and member states over defence, intelligence and cyber-security.”
Digital Markets
Following the passage of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, none of the parties propose major reforms of the law and regulation applicable to digital markets, although the Liberal Democrats do commit to increasing the Digital Services Tax.
Conservative Party
“We will help individuals and small businesses bring cases against wealthier opponents with legislation to support third party funding of litigation.”
Labour Party
“To get knives off our streets Labour will ban ninja swords, lethal zombiestyle blades and machetes, and strengthen rules to prevent online sales. Executives of online companies that flout these rules will be personally held to account through tough sanctions.”
“Labour will introduce a new expanded fraud strategy to tackle the full range of threats, including online, public sector and serious fraud. We will work with technology companies to stop their platforms being exploited by fraudsters.”
“Recognising the evolution of the gambling landscape since 2005, Labour will reform gambling regulation, strengthening protections. We will continue to work with the industry on how to ensure responsible gambling.”
Liberal Democrats
“Increasing the Digital Services Tax on social media firms and other tech giants from 2% to 6%.”
“Empower consumers and ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of new technology, by setting a UK-wide target for digital literacy and requiring all products to provide a short, clear version of their terms and conditions, setting out the key facts as they relate to individuals’ data and privacy.”
“Introducing a new kitemark for health apps and digital tools that are clinically proven to help people lead healthier lives.”
Green Party
“Elected Greens would push to establish the UK as a leading voice on standards for the rule of law and democracy in digital spaces with a Digital Bill of Rights to ensure independent regulation of social media providers. This legislation will safeguard elections by responding to the challenges of foreign interference, social media and declining confidence in democracy.”
“Green MPs will work towards: Re-joining the EU as soon as the domestic political situation is favourable and EU member states are willing.”
Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance (ESG)
Both the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party commit to imposing new obligations on companies and directors in relation to ESG considerations. The Labour Party and Liberal Democrats indicate that they would increase reporting obligations for the largest employers, while the Conservative Party would endeavour to reduce burdens on medium enterprises.
Conservative Party
“Take more companies out of the scope of burdensome reporting requirements. Making use of freedoms granted by Brexit, we will lift the employee threshold allowing more companies to be considered medium-sized. This is expected to save small businesses at least one million hours of admin per year.”
“By delivering our new Integrated Procurement Model, we will make defence procurement faster, smarter and more joined up, boost private sector investment by confirming that ESG considerations are entirely consistent with investment in our vital defence industry and transform innovation.”
“We will intensify our fight to stop money laundering and dirty money and ensure all British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies adopt open registers of beneficial ownership.”
“Reforming the Climate Change Committee, giving it an explicit mandate to consider cost to households and UK energy security in its future climate advice.”
Labour Party
“Labour will make the UK the green finance capital of the world, mandating UK-regulated financial institutions – including banks, asset managers, pension funds, and insurers – and FTSE 100 companies to develop and implement credible transition plans that align with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement.”
“we will enact the socio-economic duty in the Equality Act 2010.”
“we will introduce disability and ethnicity pay gap reporting for large employers.”
Liberal Democrats
“Remain committed to delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the UK and around the world.
“We will make the UK a world leader in ethical, inclusive new technology, including artificial intelligence, and a global centre for the development, manufacture and export of clean technologies.”
“Introduce a general duty of care for the environment and human rights in business operations and supply chains.”
“Ensure the UK has the highest possible standards of environmental, health, labour and consumer protection, at least matching EU standards.”
“Placing human rights, labour and environmental standards and protection at the heart of international trade deals.”
“Reform fiduciary duty and company purpose rules to ensure that all large companies have a formal statement of corporate purpose, including considerations such as employee welfare, environmental standards, community benefit and ethical practice, alongside benefit to shareholders, and that they report formally on the wider impact of the business on society and the environment.”
“Meeting the UK’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions by at least 68% from 1990 levels by 2030.”
“Requiring all large companies listed on UK stock exchanges to set targets consistent with achieving the net zero goal, and to report on their progress.”
“Regulating financial services to encourage climate-friendly investments, including requiring pension funds and managers to show that their portfolio investments are consistent with the Paris Agreement, and creating new powers for regulators to act if banks and other investors are not managing climate risks properly.”
“Strengthen the Office for Environmental Protection and provide more funding to the Environment Agency and Natural England to help protect our environment and enforce environmental laws.”
“Passing a new Environmental Rights Act, recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment and guaranteeing access to environmental justice.”
“Making sure that the UK has the highest environmental standards in the world.”
“Introducing a general duty of care for the environment.”
“Requiring large businesses to publish transition plans to become nature-positive across their activities and supply chains.”
“Introducing nature-related financial disclosure requirements for large businesses.”
“Tackling ‘greenwashing’ by introducing new Blue Carbon and Soils Carbon Standards that are properly enforced and accredited.”
Green Party
“Any company holding a UK banking licence will be required to present an investment strategy outlining a clear pathway to divestment of its current fossil fuel assets as soon as possible, and at least by 2030.”
“Non-bank financial institutions, such as UK pension funds, investment funds, mutual funds, brokers and insurance companies that sell policies in the UK, will need to remove fossil fuel assets from their investment portfolios, securities transactions and balance sheets by 2030.”
“The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will develop targets to eliminate all equities relating to fossil fuel exploitation from the UK stock market and will immediately prohibit the issuing of any new shares for those purposes.”
“We will explore legal ways for companies to be transformed into mutual organisations, especially at the point of succession from one owner to another.”
“Elected Greens will campaign to amend the Companies Act 2006 so that company directors must prioritise the well-being of all living entities (including all nations, all species and future generations, as well as all people alive today) and avoid negative environmental and social consequences.”
“We will require manufacturers to offer ten-year warranties on white goods, to encourage repair and reuse. We will introduce a comprehensive ‘right to repair’, so manufacturers keep goods operational years after purchase and to eliminate built-in obsolescence. We will require manufacturers to produce only the most energy efficient white goods, TVs, lighting and electric cookers. We will encourage a shift from an ownership to a usership model, for instance through car-sharing platforms and neighbourhood libraries for tools and equipment.”
“Green MPs will campaign for a maximum 10:1 pay ratio for all private and public-sector organisations.”
“It will be a priority to strengthen global tax agreements to stop corporate tax avoidance and evasion, and to ensure a level playing field between UK and transnational businesses.”
“Greens in parliament will make it a priority to pass a new Rights of Nature Act. For the first time, it would give Nature legal personhood, meaning that it could not be exploited for financial gain.”
“Elected Greens will fight to ensure that all new trade agreements: Respect workers’ and consumers’ rights; Meet UK animal protection and environmental standards.”
“Green MPs will campaign to end the current practice of parallel judicial systems in trade and investment agreements, which allow companies to sue governments secretly for billions. These mechanisms give too much power to corporations at the expense of democracy, the environment and human rights.”
Open Justice & Access to Information
None of the parties commit to expansion or other reform of the Freedom of Information Act 2000
Conservative Party
“We will intensify our fight to stop money laundering and dirty money and ensure all British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies adopt open registers of beneficial ownership.”
“… we will continue to digitise court processes and expand the use of remote hearings.”
“we will legislate to deliver comparable data across the UK so the performance of public services can be accurately compared.”
Labour Party
“… we will create a National Data Library to bring together existing research programmes and help deliver data-driven public services, whilst maintaining strong safeguards and ensuring all of the public benefit.”
Liberal Democrats
“Improve transparency throughout the criminal justice process by enabling all victims to request a transcript of court proceedings free of charge.”
“Requiring that all Ministers’ instant-messaging conversations involving government business must be placed on the departmental record.”
“Ensuring that a record of all lobbying of Ministers via instant messages, emails, letters and phone calls is published as part of quarterly transparency releases.”