Vox Populi - June 1993 General Election

June 1993 - Tebbit gambles on Europe

Prelude: Having split the Tory Party over Europe, Norman Tebbit has nonetheless led a radical and effective government. Can he win on his risky gamble for a third term in office?

Labour Party: Despite a disappointing showing in 89 Owen has survived as leader as the Owenites take control of the party machine, allowing the Labour Leader a second chance to challenge Beckett and Tebbit alike. The Labour Party is fighting a campaign focused on the media and their process of renewal, with a consolidated social-democratic manifesto aiming for Owen's "social-market economy" while arguing for increased public spending, a hawkish foreign policy with a moderate take on Europe (at best supporting a referendum), a moderate strand of social-liberalism and opposition to further devolution.

Conservative Party: Despite the challenge posed by the Democrats, Norman Tebbit has gambled for an early election with the Conservatives as the more Eurosceptic party, strongly rejecting Maastricht and any suggestion of British entry into Europe. Tebbit is also trumpeting his record on economic growth, the victory on the Gibraltar War and his law and order reform policies, promising for the future to continue to restore the US-UK special relationship (to new US President Pete Wilson), taking steps to reform industrial laws and continuing to stand up for Unionism.

Liberal-Democrat Alliance: The joint efforts of Chris Patten and David Penhaligon have produced the moderate and centrist Liberal-Democratic Alliance, running an ambitious campaign to achieve an upset and form the next government. Despite the differences between both parties a common manifesto has been agreed on, calling for a referendum on entry into Europe and on the Maastricht Treaty, supporting a moderate foreign policy (focused on diplomacy and foreign aid), an "Alliance" combined economic plan of both progressive economics and a christian democrat influence, lowering the voting age and social liberal policies. Both parties have agreed that whichever party gains the most seats will act as the leader of the Alliance in negotiations.

Celtic League (Dafydd Iwan): Another newcomer into the election, the Celtic League alliance of parties is running across Wales, Scotland and Cornwall to promote the different strands of Celtic nationalism and provide a clear voice to those areas of the country. Under the "left-libertarian" folk singer and League leader Dafydd Iwan the Celtic League campaigns on large-scale devolution (including taxation powers) for Wales and Scotland, and the creation of a devolved Cornish government, alongside a platform of pacifism (with nuclear disarmament), social liberal stances and promotion of Welsh, Scottish and Cornish culture.

Socialist Labour Party: Former Prime Minister Margaret Beckett is back on the campaign trail for the second time attempting to return into government, and vanquish Tebbit for good. As the main opposition, the SLP fights the election in the awkward position of also strongly rejecting Europe and Maastricht (opposing a referendum as well), while at the same time trying to refocus the campaign on the need for a firm Socialist government in Britain to fight inequality. As a result, the SLP continues to fight on pacifism and nuclear disarmament, environmental efforts, support for the trade unions, political reform across Westminster and plans for a federal Britain, and crucially enough, the possibility of talks on the future of the monarchy after scandals on the Royal Family.

Two days.

Note: Conservatives facing an anti-government swing of 1% to the SLP. The Celtic League operates on a similar penalty as the SNP/Plaid, but with a softer effect since they're also standing in Cornwall.

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