How have the Conservative and Unionist Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party, and Liberal Democrats changed their general election manifestos from 2017 to 2019 because of Brexit?

Abstract

This paper dives into the evolving political party manifestos in the United Kingdom (UK) during the general elections of 2017 to 2019 and draws linkages to the impact of the Brexit phenomenon on these manifestos. The study employs qualitative content discourse analysis methodology, examining the shifting approaches to Brexit as portrayed in the manifestos of major political parties: the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Liberal Democrats. The analysis examines the dynamics that are driving these changes and applies a lens of Euroscepticism to provide additional context. The research and analysis in the thesis contribute to an understanding of how Brexit influenced political discourse in the UK in 2017 and 2019 and look into the future of the UK’s politics - to 2024 and beyond.