Throughout the United Kingdom, a historic number of over 4,000 candidates are vying for positions in the upcoming July 4 general election.

Polls indicate that this election could usher in a Labour majority after more than ten years under Conservative leadership, spanning five leaders, including incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and current Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

However, the nation is experiencing growing divisions, particularly with the hard-right Reform Party, headed by populist Nigel Farage, showing potential to surpass its performance in the 2019 elections, then known as the Brexit Party.

Key concerns on the electorate's minds include economic stagnation, housing affordability, living costs, immigration, and international relations.

The certainty remains that any new government will face significant challenges.

Here are some of the critical issues:

The Economy: 'Prolonged sluggish growth for everyone'

Over the last 15 years, the UK has seen the poorest income growth in generations, as reported by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

"It has been slow growth for essentially everyone – rich and poor, old and young. This has slowed progress in reducing absolute poverty," stated Tom Waters, an IFS associate director.

Recently, Britons have grappled with a cost-of-living crisis amidst rising prices and stagnant wages.

Labour's Keir Starmer plans extensive reforms to the NHS, housing, energy, and other critical sectors, with a proposed £7.4 billion ($9.4bn) in tax increases. Conversely, the Conservatives promise £17 billion ($21.6bn) in tax cuts, including reducing National Insurance contributions.

Housing Crisis: 'Exacerbated by austerity'

The housing crisis, fueled by soaring property prices, rental hikes, and a lack of affordable new construction, has persisted for years.

The Local Government Association notes a 89% increase in temporary accommodations due to a shortage of social housing over a decade until March 2023.

This pressure intensified with austerity measures aimed at reducing the government’s budget deficit implemented in 2010 by the coalition government.

Mia Gray, an economist, said, "Britain faces a dire affordable housing shortage, worsened by austerity, especially within local government budgets."

To tackle this, the Conservatives aim to build 1.6 million new homes if victorious, while Labour plans to restore local house-building targets with a goal of 1.5 million new homes.

Health: Rising Waiting Lists

Health ranks just beneath living costs as the most critical issue for Britons, according to YouGov, with 34% highlighting its importance.

The NHS waiting list has 7.6 million people as of April, slightly down from the 7.8 million peak last September.

Additionally, the percentage of patients waiting over four hours in A&E has risen significantly over the past 14 years of Conservative rule, peaking at 50% in December 2022.

The Conservatives have planned an increased NHS budget, but many view this as too delayed.

Labour has pledged to reduce NHS wait times by offering 40,000 additional health appointments weekly and doubling cancer scanners to cut down treatment delays.

The Liberal Democrats propose boosting doctor numbers and raising care worker pay, while the Reform Party suggests tax cuts and relief for NHS staff.

Immigration: A Key Election Debate

A YouGov poll indicates that 43% of Britons see immigration's impact on society as negative, while 35% view it positively.

The Conservatives aim to curtail irregular immigration, especially by those crossing the English Channel on small boats, with 882 people arriving this way recently.

Sunak's government supports deporting undocumented individuals to Rwanda for asylum processing, but this plan has been blocked by courts.

The Labour Party intends to abandon the Rwanda plan and reduce net migration without specifying methods.

Farage calls for stringent immigration policies, blaming it for societal issues and claiming it contributes to the housing crisis.

Net migration since Brexit remains high, driven more by asylum seekers rather than EU workers.

Ukraine: Assessing Future UK Support

Since Russia's 2022 invasion, the UK has provided steadfast support to Ukraine, with Sunak calling for a firm Western alliance.

At the recent G7 summit, Sunak urged decisive actions to end the conflict, pledging £12.5 billion ($15.9bn) overall support, including £7.6 billion ($9.6bn) military aid.

Labour vows to stand by Ukraine, work to isolate Russia diplomatically, and help Ukraine's path to NATO membership.

Gaza: Intense Emotions and Demands for Ceasefire

The prolonged conflict in Gaza has provoked widespread protests across the UK, with many Britons desiring peace.

A YouGov poll for Medical Aid for Palestinians revealed over 70% of Britons support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel's intense conflict with Gaza has resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian casualties, following a significant incident led by Hamas.

Despite high demand for ceasefire, neither major party has advocated forcefully for it, potentially driving some pro-Palestinian voters away from Labour.

Notably, British-Palestinian professor Kamal Hawwash is running as an independent after leaving Labour due to Starmer's controversial comments on Israel’s actions.

The Labour manifesto now includes recognizing a Palestinian state within a two-state solution framework.

Community leaders like Imam Tahir Talati have voiced disappointment with Labour and emphasized the need for representative voices.