In mid-April, the Prime Minister Theresa May reversed her earlier stated decision and called for a snap election—a move that surprised many. While some called the move opportunistic, others supported the early election, including Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Labour, the opposition party. The Labour Party currently trails behind the Conservative Party, led by May, in national polls. Today, Corbyn released a manifesto, intended to make clear his party’s positions and to drum up support for the embattled party.

The manifesto, dubbed “For the Many, Not the Few”, takes strong positions. Around £50B sourced primarily from taxes on corporations and the country’s wealthiest citizens would be used to fund major new public programs, from housing to education to healthcare to transit. The manifesto rules out rises in VAT, national insurance, and income tax for all but the top 5% of earners.

For some, the manifesto is seen as stridently leftist. By all accounts, it represents a stark difference to the positions of the Conservative Party. Corbyn pledged to nationalize railways, Royal Mail, the water industry and the energy market. He suggested reversing the Conservative’s benefit freeze as well as cuts to disability benefits, the bedroom tax, and payments for bereaved parents. It would abolish tuition fees and put an end to zero-hour contracts.

The Labour manifesto also calls for several measures that would affect the architectural profession and the built environment more broadly. The Royal British Institute for Architects (RIBA) has released a statement that, by and large, praises the manifesto. In particular, they commend the commitment to building 100,000 council and housing association homes. Additionally, the RIBA supports the manifesto’s pledge to invest in educational facilities. 

"I’m pleased that Labour have put housing and communities high on their agenda,” states the RIBA President Jane Duncan. “It’s critical that the next UK Government recognises the impact our built environment can have in fostering business and creating prosperous and happy communities. From health to education, leisure to business, good design plays a vital role in improving all aspects of our lives.”

In regards to planning, Duncan states, “The RIBA has been calling for new devolution deals between central government and new and existing local authorities on housing and planning. Newly elected metro mayors and combined authorities are well-placed to create local opportunities in the built environment.  It is also vital that the party forming the next UK Government understands the role of professional expertise in ensuring that we have well-built communities that put people at their heart.”

Of course, Brexit will dominate the election. Labour would end free movement but avoid “scapegoating migrants nor blaming them for economic failure”. They would also reject leaving the EU with no economic deal. For architects in the UK, Brexit represents one of the most significant issues the profession has faced.

In an open letter to government officials, several prominent architects, including Richard Rogers, denounced the treatment of EU nationals since Brexit. "While we are fearful about the future in general, we are particularly concerned about the government’s attitude towards EU nationals. We have benefited enormously from the transfer of knowledge and influence that results from EU nationals working in the UK," the architects wrote. "Furthermore, we have benefited from our ability as individuals and as companies to trade services and knowledge with our European neighbours, creating a better understanding between peoples."

“Since the EU referendum I’ve been calling repeatedly for the rights of non UK EU nationals to be confirmed,” Duncan writes. “These colleagues make up a quarter of our workforce so I’m pleased to see the Labour party commit to confirm their status and rights. It is essential that we can continue attract talented architects from around the world. Their skills, creativity and diverse cultural perspective play a vital part in maintaining the UK as a global hub for architecture.”