Setting the scene

“My Ministers’ focus is on increasing economic growth and safeguarding the health and security of the British people for generations to come. My Government will continue to take action to bring down inflation, to ease the cost of living for families and help businesses fund new jobs and investment.” (Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, 7 November 2023) 

Since September 2022, CPF Groups have provided Ideas for the Next Manifesto and have helped to Make The Case for Conservatism—applying the Conservative values of capitalism, freedom and responsibility to the most immediate challenges facing the country: that is, the cost of living, energy security, healthcare and our global engagement (a huge topic that stretches from trade to defence). CPF Groups have also helped the Party’s policymakers and leadership to understand a frontline perspective on some of the longer-term challenges: deregulation, artificial intelligence, transportation and the welfare state. Most recently, we reviewed some of the Government’s achievements together.

Building on this ground, for this discussion we especially want to hear your thoughts for the near future. Groups might want to consider what issues the wider public consider to be the most important issues facing the country at this time and which government departments spend most of taxpayers’ money (see Charts 1 to 4) when deciding which areas need to be prioritised.

Questions for discussion

1. What do you think the Government’s priorities should be for the rest of 2024?

2. What do you think the Government’s priorities should be beyond the General Election?

3. Is there any other observation you would like to make?

For further details, download the consultation brief.

N.B. Please submit all responses via the online form. A downloadable form is provided for those groups that like to circulate a draft report among participants before submitting their final version.