two party system intact?

• Paragraph 1: Smaller parties are disadvantaged by FPTP

  Point:The First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system disproportionately disadvantages smaller parties, as it favours parties with concentrated support. This creates a two-party system by making it difficult for smaller parties to gain representation in Westminster.

  • In the 2024 general election - Reform having 4 million votes and only 5 seats
  • The FPTP system creates a "winner’s bonus," where larger parties gain a disproportionate number of seats, marginalising smaller parties.
• Counter argument 1: The rise of smaller parties in PR system

  • Point: However, the use of proportional representation (PR) systems in devolved elections and European elections has allowed smaller parties to gain significant influence, challenging the two-party system.

  Example:

  • The Brexit Party won the 2019 European elections with 32% of the vote, compared to just 9% for the Conservatives.
  • Smaller parties like the Greens and the Liberal Democrats have performed well in local and devolved elections, where PR systems are used.
  • The success of smaller parties in PR systems demonstrates that they can exert significant influence, particularly on specific issues like Brexit and climate change, challenging the dominance of the two main parties.
• Argument 2: The Dominance of the "Big Two"

  The two-party system remains intact because Labour and the Conservatives are the only well-rounded parties with longevity, focusing on a wide range of policies rather than single issues.

  Example:

  • Smaller parties like the SNP focus on single issues such as Scottish independence, which limits their ability to gain widespread support across the UK.
  • In the 2015 EU referendum, Scotland voted 68% to remain in the EU, but Brexit was implemented regardless, highlighting the limited influence of smaller parties in Westminster.

  Significance:This suggests that smaller parties are often treated as pressure groups rather than equal political actors, reinforcing the dominance of the two main parties.
• Counter-Argument 2: The SNP’s Rise and Influence

  • Point: However, the SNP has emerged as a significant force in UK politics, challenging the two-party system by dominating Scottish politics and exerting influence in Westminster.

  Example:

  • In the 2015 general election, the SNP won 56 out of 59 Scottish seats, reducing Labour and the Conservatives to just three seats combined.
  • The SNP has kept the issue of Scottish independence alive, securing "Devo Max" powers for Scotland and pushing for a second independence referendum.
  • The SNP’s dominance in Scotland and its influence on UK-wide debates, such as Brexit and constitutional reform, demonstrate that smaller parties can challenge the two-party system and exert significant influence.
• Argument 3: Funding Disparities

  Point:Smaller parties struggle to compete with Labour and the Conservatives due to significant funding disparities, which reinforce the two-party system.

  Example:

  • In 2018, the Conservative Party raised £46 million in private donations, while the Green Party raised just £2 million.
  • Labour benefits from trade union funding, giving it a financial advantage over smaller parties.

  Significance:This financial disparity makes it difficult for smaller parties to campaign effectively, limiting their ability to challenge the dominance of the two main parties.
• Counter-Argument 3: The Influence of Smaller Parties on Policy

  • Point: Despite funding disparities, smaller parties have influenced the policies of the two main parties, demonstrating their significance in UK politics.

  Example: The Green Party’s focus on climate change has pushed Labour and the Conservatives to adopt greener policies, such as the Conservatives’ pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

  • Smaller parties act as agenda-setters, forcing the two main parties to adopt their policies to avoid losing votes. This demonstrates that smaller parties can exert significant influence, even without winning seats.