Brexit, oil and bombs: The words that have defined UK elections since 1945

This year, the standout topic for both parties’ manifestos was the NHS. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images

Climate change, Brexit, and Europe might have been key touchstones in previous election campaigns, but Guardian analysis shows they are given less prominence in the two main UK parties’ latest manifestos in 2024.

Looking into the text of every Conservative and Labour election manifesto dating back to 1945 shows that, while both parties still dedicate column inches to the climate emergency, these issues are less prominent than in the last election cycle.