3 New Years’ Resolutions For The Tories
We take a look at 3 likely Conservative Party resolutions for the New Year, and consider whether or not they are likely to be achieved.
2016 is fast approaching, which means that nationwide in the UK are formulating New Years’ resolutions that will help them to improve their lives. According to a survey taken by List25.com, one of the most common resolutions is finding a new job, and sits comfortably alongside goals such as losing weight, finding love and saving money.
For the reigning Conservative Party, however, the tone of their New Years’ resolutions is a little more impactful and serious. After all, their core goals for 2016 will translate into direct policy measures; with many likely to be polarising and trigger huge debate in the UK.
3 New Years’ Resolutions for the Tories
With this in mind, let’s take a look at three New Years’ resolutions for the Tories and how they are likely to be perceived by the electorate. Our picks include: -
Reduce Welfare and Incentivise workers
This formed the bedrock of the Tories’ election Manifesto, as the party pledged to slash benefits and revolutionise the welfare state. This plan has finally been kick-started into action recently, with Chancellor George Osborne pledging to increase the national minimum wage by a further £0.50 and incentivise low income workers.
The issue with this is that a drive to slash budgets by up to £12 billion during the same period. While the minimum wage will rise to £7.20 next April and approximately £9.00 by the year 2020, these incremental increases pale in comparison to the widespread welfare cuts that are being proposed. According to some experts, the move would leave a record 6.5 million citizens (or a quarter of British workers, if you prefer) trapped in short-term poverty and unable to cope with the cost of living.
Unless David Cameron’s party can sink more of the capital reclaimed from benefits cuts into driving a higher minimum wage, it is likely to face a huge backlash from low-income households and poverty campaigners during the next 18 months.
Verdict: More work needed
2. Achieve Conflict resolution and justify the Syria Airstrikes
When David Cameron announced that he had earned enough support to launch airstrikes on ISIS targets based in Syria, the country became polarised in its opinion. While the PM retains the backing of the majority of the House of Commons and military bosses, for example, the weight of public support appears to be against this type of direct military intervention. So although Cameron’s courage and commitment is to be applauded, his decision has the potential to become a misjudged and unwanted legacy of his tenure.
Of course, Cameron can negate this with a relatively quick resolution to the conflict in Syria, as the deployment of targeted airstrikes that topple ISIS power bases could ultimately justify his decision. There are so many risks in play, however, such as the threat to innocent civilians in Syria, a lack of troops on the ground and an underlying misunderstanding of the presence that ISIS outside of the Middle East.
The wider conflict between the western world and Islam extremist groups is also unlikely to be easily resolved, so Cameron may have to prepare himself for a long and drawn-out struggle.
Verdict: The Tories are unlikely to achieve a resolution any time soon
3. Increase the Accessibility of Education in the UK
Education is another key area of focus for the government, although it retains a great deal of support in its bid to create an additional 500 free schools and create specialist educational facilities for secondary school children. Many also share the Tories’ belief that an improved education system in the UK will have a long-term impact in reducing unemployment and welfare costs, preventing the need for knee-jerk cuts that dramatically impact on the lifestyle of low-income citizens.
This is one resolution that the Tories can press ahead with in 2016, while they also have an excellent opportunity to make huge strides in the year ahead. They certainly have the public funds to invest in education, while the overwhelming support of the electorate should enable them to make this a key priority. We can therefore expect the Tories to push ahead with their education reforms in 2016, while also driving progressive curriculum changes for secondary students.
Verdict: Expect major education reforms to be commenced in 2016
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