Podcast
Questions and Answers
What proportion of British seats in the European Parliament did UKIP win?
What proportion of British seats in the European Parliament did UKIP win?
Which party did UKIP gain their first MP from in the Commons?
Which party did UKIP gain their first MP from in the Commons?
What is one of the key positions of UKIP regarding the European Union?
What is one of the key positions of UKIP regarding the European Union?
Who has been the leader of UKIP since 2010?
Who has been the leader of UKIP since 2010?
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In which part of the UK is UKIP most popular?
In which part of the UK is UKIP most popular?
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What was a significant event for the Liberal Democrats in 1988?
What was a significant event for the Liberal Democrats in 1988?
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Study Notes
British Political Parties
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Liberal Democrats (LibDems):
- Formed in 1988 by merging the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party.
- Moderate center-left party, policies closer to Labour than Conservatives.
- Significant gains in the 2005 and 2010 elections, winning 23% of national votes and almost 10% of Commons seats.
- Limited by the first-past-the-post electoral system, which makes it difficult to gain majority representation.
- Strongest support in Scotland, also successful in parts of the West Country and Wales.
- Formed coalition government with the Conservatives in 2010 (after the 2010 election), with Nick Clegg as Deputy Prime Minister.
- Coalition's popularity weakened by the Conservative's restrictive economic policies.
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UK Independence Party (UKIP):
- Newer party (founded 1993), focused primarily on opposition to EU membership.
- Surprising success in 2014 European Parliament elections (over 26% of the vote, winning 24 of 73 British seats).
- Significant result but limited support base (only about ⅓ of British voters).
- Won first seat in the House of Commons in 2014.
- Right-wing populist party advocating lower taxes, reduced public spending, EU withdrawal, and limited immigration.
- Strong support mostly in England, less prominent in other parts of the UK.
- Led by Nigel Farage from 2010 onwards.
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Other Smaller Parties (in Parliament):
- Scottish National Party (SNP).
- Plaid Cymru (Welsh National Party).
- Northern Ireland Protestant and Catholic parties.
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Description
Explore the key features and historical context of major British political parties like the Liberal Democrats and UK Independence Party. This quiz covers their formation, electoral performance, and significant policies. Test your knowledge of their impact on UK politics today!
