A populist manifesto
A populist manifesto in the UK would likely tap into widespread public disillusionment with the political establishment, economic hardship, and cultural grievances. Given the cost-of-living crisis, public service strain, housing shortages, and ongoing debates around immigration and national identity, a populist manifesto would likely reflect a mix of nationalist, anti-elite, and anti-internationalist rhetoric with promises of rapid reform.
It might copy Brexit’s ‘Take back control,’ but this time by withdrawing from the ECHR, and distancing the UK from international courts. It would stress that British decisions could not be overturned from abroad.
It might cut public foreign aid drastically and reallocate it to domestic priorities. To balance this, it could boost private (family to family) foreign aid transfers by favourable tax legislation.
It would promise an immediate freeze on non-essential immigration and use offshore processing centers for asylum seekers. It would require immigrants to meet strict integration rules and to declare allegiance to “British values.”
It would appeal to economic patriotism, encouraging and supporting massive investment in UK industries, especially manufacturing, farming, and energy
It would scrutinize any proposed foreign takeovers of British companies that were perceived to be ‘unfair, or going against the national interest.
There might be lower energy bills through support for UK-only energy firms
To protect communities, it would promise zero tolerance on crime, better enforcement, tougher sentencing and more police.
It would pledge to stop the “war on motorists,” and to scrap ULEZ/15-minute city-style restrictions
It would offer a ban on gender ideology and political activism in schools, with a return to “traditional education values.” It would promise to protect free speech in universities and online.
Councils would have to seek the approval of a referendum before raising council tax above inflation.
It would promise to launch a corruption inquiry into Westminster lobbying
It would install priority access to the NHS for British citizens and would end “health tourism” and tighten access to free public services.
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Would this appeal to voters?
Probably yes. Stagnant wages, high inflation, housing unaffordability, and poor productivity have left many feeling worse off. A populist platform promising economic rebalancing and patriotic self-reliance would resonate.
Both Labour and Conservatives are often viewed as interchangeable or ineffective, and the Liberal Democrats are seen as an irrelevant part of the élite. A populist party can frame itself as the only “non-establishment” option, cutting through perceived Westminster groupthink.
Many feel alienated by rapid social changes and believe their values are under threat. A return to “common sense” and “traditional British identity” would bring a powerful emotional appeal.
Continued media focus on Channel crossings and housing pressures has hardened attitudes toward migration. Populists offer decisive, even harsh, solutions that more centrist parties avoid.
A populist agenda could play upon public anger toward civil servants, the BBC, the legal system, and international institutions.
A centre-right populist manifesto in the UK in 2025 would aim to blend national conservatism with economic pragmatism, appealing to working- and middle-class voters who feel let down by both Labour and the Conservatives. It would position itself as the voice of "ordinary Britons," defending national sovereignty, economic security, and traditional values, while stopping short of extremism.
Whether or not there should be such a manifesto reflects on one’s own viewpoint and values. But the fact that there will be one is a near certainty.
Madsen Pirie