smaller partys are not signficant

• Argument 1: FPTP Voting System - Limits Influence

  The First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system disadvantages minor parties with dispersed support.

  • FPTP creates a two-party system, preventing smaller parties from gaining Westminster representation.
  • UKIP won 12.6% of the vote in 2015 but only secured one seat.
  • In contrast, Conservatives won 56% of seats with just 44% of the vote in 2019.
  • Even with widespread public support, FPTP distorts electoral outcomes, preventing minor parties from gaining power.
  • Minor parties struggle to influence Westminster policymaking as they cannot secure a large enough seat share.
• Counter-Argument 1: PR Voting Systems - Increases Influence

  • Alternative Proportional Representation (PR) systems allow smaller parties to thrive in devolved legislatures and local elections.
  • This enables them to gain significant political power outside Westminster.
  • Brexit Party won the 2019 European elections with 32% of the vote, compared to 9% for the Conservatives.
  • Green Party and Reform UK perform better in PR elections than under FPTP.
  • FPTP masks the true influence of minor parties—when given a fairer voting system, they outperform major parties.
  • Their success forces Labour and Conservatives to adopt their policies (e.g. Brexit referendum due to UKIP pressure).
• Argument 2: Westminster Marginalises Devolved Parties - Limits Influence

  Point:

  • Smaller parties in devolved nations struggle to influence UK-wide policy because they are outnumbered in Westminster.
  • Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland lack proportional representation in UK decision-making.
  • SNP formed a minority government in Scotland but is only a minority party in Westminster.
  • Scotland voted 68% Remain in the 2016 EU referendum, yet Brexit still happened, showing Scottish views were ignored.
  • Smaller devolved parties lack control over key national decisions like Brexit.
  • This shows that minor parties are often treated as pressure groups rather than true political forces.
• Counter-Argument 2: SNP - Strong Influence Over UK Politics

  • The SNP has become the third-largest party in Westminster, proving that regional parties can dominate politics.
  • The push for Scottish independence has shaped UK debates and forced constitutional change.
  • SNP won 56/59 Scottish seats in 2015, reducing Labour and Conservatives to just three seats combined.
  • Secured “Devo Max” powers for Scotland after the 2014 referendum, strengthening Scottish autonomy.
  • The SNP dominates Scotland, showing minor parties can eclipse major ones at regional levels.
  • Keeps the issue of independence on the agenda, proving it can shape UK politics.
• Argument 3: Lack of Funding - Limits Influence

  Point:

  • Smaller parties struggle financially, as Labour and Conservatives dominate private donations and public funding.
  • Without money, they cannot campaign effectively, limiting their national influence.
  • In 2018, Conservatives raised £46 million in donations, while the Green Party only raised £2 million.
  • Lack of funding means fewer advertisements, campaign events, and resources, restricting minor party visibility.
  • Large parties can outspend minor parties, meaning smaller parties struggle to compete at national elections.
• Counter-Argument 3: Policy Poaching - Indirect Influence

  Point:

  • Minor parties influence major party policies, forcing Labour and Conservatives to adopt their ideas to stay competitive.
  • Their agenda-setting role ensures that even if they don’t win seats, their policies shape UK politics.
  • Green Party’s climate agenda forced major parties to act:
  • Conservatives pledged net zero by 2050.
  • Labour supports ULEZ expansion in London.
  • UKIP’s rise led to the Brexit referendum, as Conservatives feared losing votes to them.
  • Even when minor parties don’t gain direct power, they influence national debates and force change.
  • Major parties adopt minor party policies to avoid losing voters, proving small parties shape the political landscape.