What to expect on the General Election campaign trail on Saturday
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer confirmed recognition of Palestinian statehood as part of a Middle East peace process would feature in their manifesto.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Here is your guide to the main developments in the General Election campaign on Saturday:
– In Westminster
It is a case of “nobody’s home” in the Houses of Parliament but expect to see protesters in central London.
The National March for Gaza will begin at Russell Square shortly after midday and travel along the Strand and Whitehall to reach the Palace of Westminster.
It comes after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Friday confirmed recognition of Palestinian statehood as part of a Middle East peace process would feature in his party’s manifesto.
– Conservative candidates hit the road
The Conservatives are hitting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s home turf, so expect to see the big blue battle bus somewhere in Yorkshire.
The party previewed its “Backing Drivers Bill” overnight, which Transport Secretary Mark Harper said would support drivers “in the face of Labour politicians desperate to tax them off the roads” – banning Wales-style blanket 20mph limits and reversing the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expansion from inner into outer London.
– Back down south
In Essex, the Conservatives are formally launching their Basildon and Billericay candidate.
It is the party’s chairman Richard Holden who used to represent North West Durham. The drive from Crook in his previous constituency to Basildon is more than 260 miles.
Councillor Phil Turner, deputy chairman of the local Conservative Association, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he expected a “full-on rebellion” but instead Mr Holden “won over the executive”.
– Small businesses on Saturday
Labour has pledged to “pull up the shutters” for small businesses and will unveil a series of policies to attract entrepreneurs.
Among its pledges are a business rates overhaul, a plan to accelerate the establishment of banking hubs, and an antisocial behaviour crackdown to “revitalise” high streets.
– Escape to the countryside
The Liberal Democrats would plough £50 million a year into maintaining three new national parks, according to its weekend policy launch.
Among its suggested areas are the Chilterns in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, the Surrey Hills, or the Mendips or Quantocks in Somerset.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.