The hot issues

The arguments everyone in Britain is having right now. Each one explained in plain English, with every option on the table, which parties back it and the case for and against.

All 8 issues

• Small boatsWhat should Britain do about the small boats?Crossings are down on last year but still running at hundreds a week. The France 'one in, one out' returns deal ended on 30 Sept after returning about 1,087 people. An…
• North SeaShould Rosebank and Jackdaw get the go-ahead?Both fields were approved in 2022 and 2023, then ruled unlawful by Scottish courts for ignoring the climate impact of burning the fuel. New consultations closed in…
• Tax thresholdShould the frozen tax-free allowance finally go up?The £12,570 tax-free allowance has been frozen since 2021 and is due to stay there until April 2031. The Budget is on 28 October and the Prime Minister says the…
• BenefitsIs the benefits bill too high, or too mean?The two-child limit was scrapped in April 2026. From the same month the Universal Credit health top-up was cut for most new claims. A review of PIP disability benefit…
• Energy billsHow do we bring energy bills down?The price cap rose 4% to £1,723 a year on 1 October. VAT is off electricity until March 2027, worth about £45. Cornwall Insight forecasts a jump to about £1,999 in…
• EUShould Britain get closer to the EU, or even rejoin?On 30 September the Prime Minister said Brexit had done 'more harm than good' and that options up to rejoining are on the table. Labour's 2024 red lines (no single…
• Taxing wealthShould the Budget tax the wealthy more?The 28 October Budget must fill a gap in the public finances. Higher taxes on dividends, savings and rental income are already coming in, plus a council tax surcharge…
• WaterShould water go back into public ownership?On 29 September the government said it will repeal the ban on public ownership of water firms, starting a 10-year overhaul. Thames Water, with debts put at £20bn, says…