This week we’ve already had the Liberal Democrats and the Tories publishing their election manifestos – but, with all the polling pointing to a huge Labour victory, how much longer do we have to wait to hear what Keir Starmer has planned for the country?
The good news is: not long. In just a few hours the Labour leader – widely expected to be taking up residence in Downing Street in just over three weeks time – will be taking to the podium to unveil the multi-page document whose contents have been a closely guarded secret for so many months.
The Lib Dems celebrated their manifesto with a trip to Thorpe Park, while Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives marked theirs with a launch at the Silverstone racing circuit. What will Labour come up with? Let’s take a look at what we know so far…
When is the Labour manifesto being published?
Thursday June 13 is the date for your diaries, but keep your eyes peeled for an exact time for the publication. Mr Starmer is expected to announce the key policies in front of an audience of Labour activists and his own shadow cabinet, including shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, Labour deputy Angela Rayner and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper.
What will be in Labour’s manifesto?
Among the pledges that have already been soft launched are a ban on the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to under-16s, a crackdown on violence against shop staff and speeding up the end of animal testing.
One that has caused a ripple of excitement is the promise to open 3,300 new nurseries in unused primary school classrooms and improve access to free breakfast clubs for pupils – helping more parents get back into the workplace and bring down staggering childcare costs.
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There’s also expected to be recognition of a Palestinian state and a commitment to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza in the top-secret document.
In a sign of concerns about anger among voters over Gaza, the manifesto is expected to commit to formal recognition of Palestinian statehood during the peace process, rather than as part of a final peace deal. It is also expected to say there would not be a veto for neighbouring countries but it is unclear how it would work.
Mr Starmer said on Monday that the party’s manifesto promises have been “fully costed” and “fully funded”.
“They don’t require tax rises over and above those that we have already set out. So there won’t be any surprises when the manifesto is unveiled on Thursday,” he said.
They’ll be in addition to Mr Starmer’s previously announced five “missions” for government and his first six steps – unveiled just a few weeks ago.
The promises include sorting the economy, cutting NHS waiting times, tackling anti-social behaviour, setting up publicly owned Great British Energy, and recruiting 6,500 new teachers.