UK General Election 2019 - Campaign Thread

[Lumine]

Change UK:

Time for Change in Britain!

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Week 1:
Becoming the Party of Remain

In General: Change UK started its campaign on August 1st with the launching of its Manifesto and the outlining of its basic strategy for the early party of the campaign. Recognizing the need to expand the party's base of support and gain visibility in order to catch up with the traditional parties, Mrs. Soubry and the Change UK leadership resolved to start the fight not only on domestic issues, but by focusing on a clear, unambiguous anti-Brexit message in order to be perceived as "the true party of Remain" and attract anti-Brext activists, campaigners and volunteers into the ranks of the party.

Concepts: Three key concepts are being introduced by the Change UK at the outset of this campaign: One, "Stop Brexit", outlining Change UK's desire to be the clear choice for the Remain/Anti-Brexit voter; Two, "Coalition of Chaos", to put focus on the evident failings of the last coalition and undermine PM Cameron's image; and Three, "No-Deal Brexit", both to argue its enormous possible damage and show Change UK as taking the lead in warning against No-Deal.

Strategic: Recognizing the dangers of being left behind by larger parties due to resources the party's organizational efforts were focused mainly on London and party on the South East as the two largest regions, in the belief that strong showings there aided by proper infrastructure would result in a substantial reward in terms of MP. The party also focused on two particular areas to be exploited:

• 1. Extensive online campaigning via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, seeking to make several relevant posts a day on relevant issues, manifesto pledges, attacks on the Brexiteer parties and constant messaging in favor of Remain in order to catch the attention of would-be voters and the media.
• 2. Efforts to reach out to the younger voters and possible volunteers via pledges such as lowering the voting age, combined with a sustained appeal to young Remainer voters in the hopes of recruiting activists and volunteers disenchanted with the other parties. It is hoped that such efforts would bring the reward of possible canvassing teams for the late campaign.

Campaign:

• August 1st: Launch of the Change UK Manifesto (Time for Change in Britain!) in London with the entire Change UK Parliamentary party and press conference, aiming to answer as many questions as possible and showcase the talents of the party team. Mrs. Soubry and some of the MP's or candidates formed teams of volunteers and supporters to deliver leaflets and talk to voters in different areas of London (particularly the strongest pro-Remain areas), whereas other prominent figures worked the media in the attempt to get the party brand with the most possible exposure.
• August 2nd - 3rd: The Change UK campaign and Mrs. Soubry focused on working their way through London to build infrastructure, catch the eye of the media, reach out to voters and find material for social network campaigning. Although Brexit was the main issue, housing, crime and transport were also raised to appeal to Londoners, offering criticisms of the four main parties (CON/LAB/UKIP/LIB DEM) on their respective record. Nigel Farage in particular was presented as a "boogeyman", being judged that Londoners would respond positively to an anti-Farage message.
• August 4th - 7th: The Change UK campaign and Mrs. Soubry then moved into the South East, delivering warnings of the serious effects of a No-Deal Brexit and also warning that voting Conservative, Brexit or UKIP would most likely result in a damaging outcome for the region due to the interruption of trade and different shortages.The campaign also sought to appeal to voters concerned about national security, crime and economic opportunities, reassuring them of both the social market vision of Change UK as well as its pro-security policies.

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Interviews: A former journalist, Mrs. Soubry decided to take the opportunity to hit the media both to attack the "Coalition of Chaos" and express her concerns about the strategy or comments of other pro-Remain parties, in this case Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

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Change UK attacks Brexiteer parties

Soubry describes the past government as the "coalition of chaos",
accuses PM Cameron of having no plan on Brexit

Soubry: "We've said it loud and clear in our manifesto, and we will say it across this campaign no matter how many threats, how much abuse is hurled at those of who dare to fight against what we believe is a reckless, dangerous path to follow: up until the election Britain has been led by the Coalition of Chaos. The level of sheer incompetence displayed by the Conservatives, by UKIP and by the DUP over the past few months is simply staggering, and I would go as far as to say it openly defies satire with the amount of bad decisions, improvisation and petty infighting that has taken place. It's one of the reasons why this election is so important, because we simply can't allow the Coalition of Chaos to get away with it and remain in power despite their present record.

That goes for Mrs. Foster and Mr. Farage with their reckless showmanship and lack of responsibility, yes, but more than anything it goes for the Prime Minister. It was beyond appalling to read the Conservative Manifesto and see that for all their calls about being entrusted with the decision they proposed no plan, gave no clear indication of what type of Brexit they'd want - even the vaguest idea -, and tellingly, failed to rule out a disastrous no-deal as it seems clear they'll be relying on Mr. Farage to remain in office. David Cameron had a choice at the start of this campaign, a choice between telling the truth to the people of this country or evading his responsibility as Prime Minister to offer a clear direction. He has chosen not to lead."

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Change UK: We are a party of Remain

Soubry warns against Labour "pandering to leave voters";
Lib Dems seemingly putting the Union into question

Soubry: "Of course I'm very glad other Remainer parties are committed to holding a second referendum, and would certainly look forward to working with them in Parliament to ensure the people's voice is heard. But right now we're in dangerous territory for the United Kingdom and the well-being of the British people, because reckless parties like UKIP continue to idealize a disastrous, damaging No-Deal as the solution to all our problems. Against that, we can't afford to play petty politics with this issue of muddle the waters for the sake of winning votes, this is an issue in which a principled stand is what the people deserve and what they should get from Remainer parties.

I'm very worried about the Labour Party, which claims to be a party of Remain yet can't be bothered to consider Brexit one of their manifesto priorities, and which appears to prefer pandering on account of declining to campaign on Brexit on several regions of this country. I am also worried about the Lib Dems and Mrs. Swinson, who despite a commendable support for a second referendum argued - very bizarrely - that regions would be allowed to stay or leave the European Union, which seems frankly uninformed view about the situation and, with due respect to Jo, highly damaging for the Union as well. I respect Mr. Darling and Mrs. Swinson as able, principled politicians, but as Remainers we just can't get it wrong on Brexit."

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Soubry: NI needs Hope, not Hatred

Change UK condemns the murder of Arder Carson and warns against political violence

Soubry: I am absolutely appalled at this cowardly, inexcusable and unacceptable tragedy, and I'd like to offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Carson, to his party and to the people of Belfast and of Northern Ireland as a whole. Political violence has no place in this country and it should not be tolerated in the slightest, and it is deeply saddening to see that the rise in political tensions of the past few years has led us into situations such as this. It all starts simple enough, with the constant harassment and threats many are forced to get used to even in Westminster, and soon the bitter rhetoric of hate some figures have no qualms to exploit gets out of hand and results on tragedies like that.

I strongly hope the police will be able to investigate this matter to its fullest extent, that the peace process will not be further undermined by this kind of violence, and, above all, that as a society we being to understand that despite the deep divisions in our society today what we all need is hope, and not hatred. It is only through hope our country will eventually heal its wounds and be united again.

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<sup>1.) Original Image:
BBC One, Party Election Broadcasts: Change UK - The Independent Group, modified.

2.) Original Image:
Anna Soubry, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health at the UK and Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London, 4 December 2012, Wikimedia Commons</sup>

[Lumine]

Change UK:

Time for Change in Britain!

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Week 2:
Building the National Base

In General: Change UK focused its campaign for the second week on consolidating the polling gains made on its first week, seeking to ensure a base of at least 5% in virtually all regions in order to obtain MP's in all corners of Britain. The campaign for the week consisted on emphasizing three key areas: the manifesto pledges on domestic policy, the clear anti-Brexit messaging, and the need to preserve and defend the union against both nationalist parties and the prospect of a hard or no-deal Brexit (this emphasis in order to make an impact in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

Concepts: Continuing to make full use of the "Coalition of Chaos" to refer to Cameron and to the UKIP-Brexit combination as well as the "Stop Brexit" / "No Deal Brexit" concepts, Change UK decided to introduce a risky innovation from the grassroots - not to be uttered by the leadership yet - and have it tested at rallies or campaign events. This is the "B*llocks to Brexit" slogan already used by some Remain activists, which is hope might introduce a further element of anti-Brexit defiance in the campaign.

Strategic: Three key calculations are being made by the campaign this week as efforts are expanded: one, that pro-union Remain voters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland need a strong pro-Remain alternative outside of Sinn Fein/SNP; two, that the abandonment of the Lib Dems of Yorkshire and the Humber offers a prime opportunity to surge there and recruit their possibly angry activist base; and three, that ensuring a floor of at least 5% per region will give the party further credibility as a national alternative to power.

Candidates: Change UK will contest every single region in the UK, even attempting to expand into Northern Ireland to offer pro-Union Remain voters an alternative to Sinn Fein. The lead candidates for each region are:

Scotland: Gavin Esler
Wales: Jon Owen Jones
Northern Ireland: Jane Morrice
East of England: Heidi Allen
East Midlands: Chris Leslie
London: Anna Soubry
North East: Diana Wallis
North West: Luciana Berger
South East: Richard Ashworth
South West: Rachel Johnson
West Midlands: Neil Carmichael
Yorkshire and the Humber: Angela Smith

Campaign:

• August 8th: Mrs. Soubry, Angela Smith and a team of prominent Change UK figures started a two-day tour offensive across Yorkshire and the Humber, choosing to fully exploit the Lib Dem refusal to contest the region. Change UK was consistently portrayed as the lead party of Remain in order to absorb as much of the Lib Dem votes as possible.
• August 9th: The Yorkshire and the Humber offensive was continued, with messaging on the second day also focusing on the lack of Conservative clarity on Brexit and Labour declining to mention Brexit on certain regions.
• August 10th: Next came a trip into Scotland with lead candidate Gavin Esler - born in Glasgow -, seeking to expand the Change UK base by offering a clear Remain and pro-Union party, criticizing the SNP over attempts to break the union and promoting Change UK's own support for a federal UK.
• August 11th: Taking a gamble, Mrs. Soubry and Change UK flew to Belfast and undertook a Northern Ireland tour for the day, mostly in the hopes of launching a viable - if limited - effort to surpass the 5% threshold. Harshly attacking the DUP over their involvement in the Coalition of Chaos, Soubry also appealed to pro-Union voters by noting that a Sinn Fein victory would be damaging for the union.
• August 12th: The day was spent in a return to London to further organize the campaign at the Change UK HQ, plus debate preparations and the debate itself.
• August 13th: The campaign moved into South West England as an area likely to be receptive to the economic message - due to zones hit by austerity -, foreign policy - due to the several military bases and the jobs they support - and Brexit policy itself, constantly portraying Change UK as a party of real change and one appealing to young voters.

• August 14th: Finally, the campaign for the week ended with a trip to Wales to once again promote the federal UK manifesto pledge, stand as a pro-Union, pro-Remain party and remark on the sheer economic damage that would be caused to Wales if another "Coalition of Chaos" government pursued a hard or no-Deal Brexit.

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^{1.) Original Image:
BBC One, Party Election Broadcasts: Change UK - The Independent Group, modified.}[/list]

[Lumine]

Change UK:

Time for Change in Britain!

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Week 3:
National Offensive

In General: Having obtained an important voting base through previous efforts and having survived a somewhat difficult week retaining a strong position, Change UK will be focused on securing two key objectives as the mid-point of the campaign comes near: one, to correct perceived weaknesses and expand support in areas with a large number of MP’s in order to further become a serious alternative for government; and two, launching a key offensive against the Liberal Democrats to capitalize on Jo Swinson’s perceived weaknesses and hopefully leap ahead of the Lib Dems. Although it is not expected to make this a focal point, additional efforts will be launched to dispel the notions of any wrongdoing and assert Mrs. Soubry’s now demonstrated innocence.

Concepts: Recognizing that some of the more colorful adjectives towards the Brexit issue may have received a questionable response, the Change UK will be moving towards a series of concepts that are to be used in association to campaign messaging to appeal to Green, Lib Dem, Labour and Conservative Remain voters: alongside the continued case against the “Coalition of Chaos” and the framing of David Cameron as “irresponsible” and “vague” Change UK will also be pursuing an unyielding focus on “leadership”, in the hopes of reinforcing the point of Soubry and Change UK as a serious alternative for government. This will be coupled with an emphasis on “preserving the union” (to hit against Swinson’s regional Brexit plan, the nationalists and the Brexiteers) and on “environmental leadership” (to attract Lib Dem and Green voters). Finally, although a key part of the message will be directed towards criticism of the Lib Dem campaign and their promises emphasis will be place on refraining from personal criticism.

Strategy: The biggest part of the offensive towards the Lib Dem involves a significant emphasis on both the South West and South East, which require extensive efforts in order to turn Change UK competitive; and a reinforcement of efforts in London to reach first place in the polls. The secondary part is associated with drawing voters away from Labour and the Conservatives on large regions so as to contain their growth in terms of MP. A more focused one involves ensuring the environmental message helps to absorb the green vote in the English regions in which they will not stand, as well as wielding the staunchly unionist message to ensure Unionist Remainers in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland become a firm voting base for the party.

Campaign:

• General: Trying to combine meetings with activists and would-be campaigners with actual campaign tours in key cities, the Change UK efforts will do a conscious effort to make as many questions from the media as possible, particularly on a vigorous defense of Mrs. Soubry over the debunked scandal.

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• August 15th: Mrs. Soubry and all of the Londoner Change UK MP’s returned to London today to start the offensive to reach first place in the city, focusing on the attempt to absorb the Lib Dem vote. Although sympathetic towards Mrs. Swinson, it will be relentlessly argued that the Lib Dem Brexit plan is unsustainable and would collapse the union, and that the general lack of detail or a vision would make it difficult to see the Lib Dems actually leading an efficient government. Change UK will be presented again and against as the natural party of Remain and a serious alternative to lead a Remain government of change.

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• August 16-17th: The offensive towards the Lib Dem vote moves into South East England for the next two days, with the added challenge of also having to build an actual base for Change UK. Messaging will again focus on the enormous cost for the region that a hard or no-deal Brexit would bring (particularly in Dover), the need for an effective government that will tackle issues such as Brexit, crime or the economy, and the doubts that the Lib Dems or the Greens could achieve that.

 
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• August 18-19th: The offensive towards the Lib Dem vote moves into the South West for the next two days, understanding that breaking through in the region (or failing to do so) will be decisive. Although messaging will also focus on the damages caused by Brexit to the South West, emphasis will also be placed on education, voting age and tuition fees (youth vote) and environmental protection (green vote), once again emphasizing skepticism towards Lib Dem action on the issues and harshly condemning the Conservative record on those issues.

 
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• August 20th: Shifting to a somewhat different approach, the campaign will move into the MP-rich North West in the hopes of A. giving a needed boost to a limited voting base, B. successfully hit the Tory, Labour and Lib Dem vote, and C. absorb the Green vote in a region they will not be standing. As a result, Mrs. Soubry and the Change UK campaign will pursue a positive message of environmentalism, crime and security and the Social Market Economy (to fight poverty and lack of social mobility) whilst targeting a specific negative message for the competition, tying the Conservatives to austerity and abandoning the North; Labour over Darling’s record as Chancellor and a lack of credibility on security; the Lib Dems over regional Brexit and vague stances on the issues.

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• August 21st: The campaign for the last day of the week will move into the also MP-rich West Midlands, following a somewhat similar model than that of the North West in hopes to expand the base, hit the main parties and pursue the Green base in the area. The main difference will be that instead of appealing to the North being left behind emphasis will be placed on core issues of crime, the economy and Brexit as ones in which the “old politics” has failed. Acknowledging the Conservatives as the biggest rival, attacks on the Lib Dem stances will be complemented with a persistent rebuke of the Tory record, arguing they have failed to cut down crime, handle Brexit responsibility or ensure the economy improves for all.

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^{1.) Original Image:
BBC One, Party Election Broadcasts: Change UK - The Independent Group, modified.}[/list]

[Lumine]

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Speech Excerpt:

Soubry addresses Telegraph report

Soubry: It was, no doubt, an inaccurate and unfortunate piece of reporting. My daughter Roma is a talented and responsible professional who has been of a great help me to me on my work as a Member of Parliament, and as it has been proved by investigators she most certainly provided these services by doing necessary research. As a journalist I fully understand the need for the press to report and to ensure politicians face proper scrutiny and accountability, but there are times in which there can be something of a rush towards a certain piece of "news", and I think that was the case here.

That said, I would certainly push against the notion that I would allow my own relationship with my daughter to affect a separate working relationship in terms of a salary, and reject allegations in that sense. I love my daughter with all my heart, but I respect her too much to consider she should receive a higher salary simply by virtue or being my daughter and not an excellent student at the time, and now an excellent professional. Nonetheless, this whole situation shows the need for extra scrutiny, transparency and proper channels within parties to deal with these issues, and Change UK will absolutely commit not only to further reviewing current transparency guidelines for Westminster, but for politics in general as part of our belief in significant political reform.

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Press Release:

Lib Dem Regional Brexit would collapse the UK

PRESS RELEASE: Change UK expresses its continued and serious concern over the Liberal Democrat plans to allow for different regions of the UK to stay out or in of the European Union, considering a prime example of a reckless, unworkable policy that would clearly split the nation apart into an unworkable situation. Although we strongly respect Mrs. Swinson's work as Leader of the Opposition and her support for Remain, having different regions of the UK subject to different economic and political rules would be a disastrous way ahead, inevitably establishing trade borders within our own nation whilst empowering regional nationalisms in their quest to split apart the UK. We encourage Remain and Unionist voters to carefully consider the consequences of such a plan.

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Press Release:

Darling's record on the economy remains troubling

PRESS RELEASE: At a time in which it is vital to ensure not only economic growth for the whole nation but that prosperity finds its way towards those left behind by Conservative and Labour governments, Change UK believes it is important to point out Alistair Darling's disastrous record as Gordon Brown's Chancellor of the Exchequer. Despite constant claims that a Labour government would "create new jobs", Mr. Darling presided over a Treasury which engaged in reckless overspending, economic mismanagement, enormous tax increases and rises in fuel prices; a scenario which ended with the infamous "there is no more money" note at the Treasury. With the Conservative Party having failed to deliver and Mr. Darling's record offering little to no confidence, Change UK believes it is time to pursue a Social Market Economy of fairness and stability and move away from the failures of the old parties.

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^{2.) Original Image:
Official portrait of Anna Soubry, June 2017, Wikimedia Commons}

[Lumine]

Change UK:

Time for Change in Britain!

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Week 4:
MP Targeting

In General: Having finally began to surpass the Liberal Democrat vote, the Change UK strategy believes the time is right both to fully push the Lib Dems into fourth or fifth vote whilst restoring to "MP targeting", focusing on areas which are believed to have significant electoral rewards and which could well reinforce the party's return to the Commons with dozens of new gains, making Change UK decisive for the formation of any government (a narrative which will be pushed to reinforce the manifesto commitments, the unequivocal second referendum pledge and a sense that Change UK CAN deliver).

Concepts: Having built a series of concept in the past few weeks, Change UK will continue to wield criticisms of the Conservatives and the pro-Brexit forces as the incompetent Coalition of Chaos - to enforce a belief that David Cameron simply can't deliver - and enforce a positive message of "responsible leadership" which not only aims to offer a solution to voters fed up with politics and wanting a government that will take charge, but offer a contrast that reinforces the criticisms of Mrs. Swinson as unprepared and of Mr. Darling as trying to pivot too much.

Northern Ireland: In the region the Sinn Fein strategy will be countered by a relentless promotion of the Change UK taking stands against a Hard Brexit or No Deal Brexit, noting that due to their abstentionism Sinn Fein is missing from the House of Commons when we need Remainer MP's the most. It will be argued by the local branch of the party that, regardless of the merits of their abstentionism, voting for Sinn Fein will ensure Brexiteer MP's get to represent Northern Ireland as the Remainer voice goes silent, Change UK being the one true Remainer alternative which will actively fight for Northern Ireland.

Strategy: This week's campaign recognizes the need both to go on the offensive on important fronts as well as the importance of defending seats and preventing losses: as a result, the campaign will go on the offensive by reinforcing the party's efforts in the East Midlands, in London, the South East and the South West; and it will also reinforce their efforts across Wales and Scotland is recognition of recent polling losses. To this Change UK will add a renewed focus on online messaging and recruitment, seeking to bring canvassing volunteers on board to combat the machines of the larger parties while hoping to be the party with the most presence, content and posts online.

Campaign:

General:The strategy of media exposure continues, allowing national reporters to follow the campaign closely while being as open as possible with regional media, all to ensure the party remains a protagonist of media messaging instead of being left behind. MP's and candidates will make sure to promote the need for unity and a strong government, but will raise constant questions on Darling's record, Cameron's Brexit plan and Swinson's stance on Brexit and the House of Lords.

August 22nd, EAST MIDLANDS: Focus on fighting Labour and the Conservatives, outlining both Darling's record as Chancellor and under New Labor (warning the country can't afford another recession) as well as Cameron's own lack of a vision and a Brexit Plan (which the country would pay the price of). Emphasis on the economic message of Change UK and the Social Market as the solution to help deprived areas while being fiscally responsible.

August 23rd, SOUTH WEST: A return into the region to continue the offensive on the Lib Dems, outlining the issue of Lords Reform and the unfocused Lib Dem campaign as a sign they're not ready for government. Follow up with attacks on the Conservative association with the BFP, hoping to drive more liberal voters away from Cameron. Emphasis on the more liberal aspects of the Change UK platform, the opposition to Brexit and the stances on security.

August 24th and 25th, SOUTH EAST: Start of a two-day offensive to bolster support for Change UK in the decisive South East, seek to find and recruit new volunteers to ensure the region is well targeted. Despite some criticism of Labour (Economy) and the Lib Dems (Leadership), emphasis will be put on Cameron and the Conservatives, noting a Tory swing to the right and their increasing association with an economically damaging hard-Brexit. Outline positives stance on Brexit, on crime and security, and on expanding transport capabilities.

August 26th, SCOTLAND: A return to Scotland to recover lost ground. At every stop harshly condemn the attack on Jo Swinson, describe it as a result of the climate generated by political extremes. Focus criticisms on the Union and Brexit via the Lib Dem regional Brexit (which would break the union) and the SNP's obsession with Independence and their economic record, outlining instances of the SNP underfunding public services. Positive emphasis on Remain, Unionism and a strong and inclusive economy.

August 27th, WALES: A defensive drive to also recover lost ground, focusing mostly on the still strong Lib Dem base on account of Lords Reform, Regional Brexit and Leadership, while also offering standard criticisms of Labour and the Conservatives on the economy and crime front. Particularly emphasize the plans for a Federal Britain and of empowering Wales as a result, as well as protecting the region from the economy harm of a hard-Brexit or no-Deal Brexit.

August 28th, LONDON: Close on another tour of London, particularly the most Remain areas to build on further positive sentiment. The two themes are Lords Reform and Brexit: Lords Reform by going after the three main parties on opposing or equivocating on reforming the House of Lords and renewing old politics, and Brexit by noting the need for a 100% Remain party to lead the cause in favor of remaining on the EU. Hit Labour on refusing to campaign on the Brexit issue on several regions, presenting it as a pivot instead of the necessary support for Remain.

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^{1.) Original Image:
BBC One, Party Election Broadcasts: Change UK - The Independent Group, modified.}[/list][/list]

[Lumine]

Change UK:

Time for Change in Britain!

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Week 5:
Threshold Targeting

In General: With the election drawing closer and recognizing the advantages the Conservatives and Labour continue to hold the Change UK strategy shifts into bolstering areas in which the party risks falling behind the threshold, MP-rich regions and London, considered the decisive battleground when it comes to overcoming larger parties. Change UK has also decided to go up against the Conservatives and Labour in terms of the messaging, hoping to benefit from being a new party by contrasting the record of the main parties and questioning whether Cameron or Darling are the best alternatives for PM.

Concepts: At this point it is believed introducing radically new concepts into the race might yield more disadvantages than benefits - as it risks muddling the message -, resulting in Change UK retaining the concepts and attack lines (separating them nationally, regionally and locally) that appeared to have made the most damage or resulted in the biggest applause or support from the public. As a result there are only two new introductions based on earlier work during the campaign: the notion of a "Blind Brexit" being offered by Cameron - as it will be argued he gives no detail -, and of a "disastrous record" associated with Alistair Darling as Chancellor, invoking memories of the worst mistakes of the Brown government (while avoiding direct attacks on New Labour that might lead moderate votes back into the Labour camp).

Northern Ireland: Judging the Northern Ireland special strategy as success in light of Change UK's rising polling numbers the party will take an additional gamble by sending Mrs. Soubry and prominent MP's on a day-long tour of the region, hoping to connect with the new base and energize them, approach Northern Irish votes and listen to their concerns, and exploit the notion of the region being far better represented at Westminster by an unionist, non-abstentionist and anti-Brexit party than by Sinn Fein, which is to be relentlessly linked to the idea that Brexiteers are empowered by Northern Ireland sending less MP's committed to actually show up to work and fight against a No-Deal or a Blind Brexit.

Strategy: Identifying different missions to be fulfilled during the course of the week, the campaign will attempt to bolster efforts in Scotland and in the North West as the regions in which the Change UK vote is more limited - thus hoping to prevent not returning MP's from either region -; will move into Northern Ireland, the South East and the South West as battlegrounds worthy of major efforts, and will spend two full days in London in hopes to reigniting support and delivering an important blow to the Lib-Dem and Labour vote.

"Like so many of you I am fed up with the way old politics has handled Brexit and so many other issues, trying to rule through fear and despair without enacting the necessary change the United Kingdom so desperately needs. If there is one thing I don't believe in, that is the idea that we should keep things exactly as they are and fail to be brave or bold when our nation needs it the most. This is decisive election, one which will not only define the future of the Brexit project and the fate of the Coalition of Chaos, but one that will determined whether we can move ahead and conquer the fears stoked by those who wish to cling to power or regain it at all cost.

Now, today is the moment. It is up to you to take part on this crucial decision by the British people and vote for a party that represents you and your values, a party which is born out of the sheer frustration with old politics and the inability of politicians to address the very real concerns you face everyday. Isn't it time we had a government actually committed to governing this country? Isn't it time we had a government with the courage to ask the people directly what they believe? Isn't it time we had a government capable of reforming our outdated political system and undemocratic institutions like the House of Lords? Isn't it time we had a government prepared to defend the environment? Prepared to fight for your safety? Prepared to defend and bolster the union by enacting meaningful reform?

This is the moment, and this is your chance. Together we can make a change and ensure we stop repeating the mistakes of the past, with a strong, modern and dynamic government that is actually willing to do the job and see to it that things don't remain the same in an endless cycle of incompetence. Together we can do this, and I invite you to take a stand on this election and vote for a new party that will fight for change in Britain here and now. I invite you to send a message to the Conservatives and to Labour, and vote for Change UK!"

August 29th, SOUTH EAST: Mrs. Soubry and volunteers visit the center of main cities in the region to talk to voters directly, delivering leaflets on key local and national issues - including Brexit, crime, transport and the economy - and seeking to remind voters of Labour's questionable record (to rule them out as an alternative) as well as the mistakes of the Conservative-led coalition and the lack of clarity on Brexit. The case will be made that voters in the South East - that will be hit hard by a no-Deal or transport issues - can't afford to support a Blind Brexit by voting Conservative.

August 30th, SOUTH WEST: Mrs. Soubry and key candidates target specific Remain-heavy areas, particularly ones with nearby universities and large numbers of students. Efforts will pursue both on a recruitment drive focused on receptive students (on Brexit, the environment and political reform) as well as limited tours to speak with voters in the streets and deliver brief but charged speeches on different relevant issues. Soubry will seek to counter the Conservative anti-No Deal narrative by pointing out Cameron's preferred partner is Mr. Nuttall, who will demand a No-Deal Brexit as his price.

August 31st, NORTHERN IRELAND: Taking another gamble and in hopes of making even further gains in the region Soubry and half of the original Change UK MP's visit Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and border communities that would suffer the consequences of a Blind or No-Deal Brexit. Doing their best to establish links with the new activist base, the candidates and potential supporters, Soubry and other MP's will continue the offensive against Sinn Fein by tying a vote for SF as an indirect vote for Brexit, the Remain cause needing every MP it can get to actually fight the Brexiteers in Westminster. Additional emphasis will be placed on economic development of Northern Ireland and increased autonomy via a Federal UK.

September 1st, NORTH WEST: Soubry and prominent Change UK figures enter the North West to bolster the limited party base in the region, taking the fight directly to Labour by reminding voters of the least appealing parts of Darling's economic record whilst constantly referencing Cameron's own flaws, in the hopes of weakening the Labour standing while appealing to anti-Tory voters. The more uplifting part of the messaging will focus on the North West having been mostly ignored by Westminster, something Change UK proposed to solve via a social market economy that will invest in the region instead of "playing games with people's jobs" (Blind/No-Deal Brexit).

September 2nd, SCOTLAND: Soubry returns to Scotland in another attempt to ensure the party retains crucial support, responding to Sturgeon and the SNP by drawing attention to cuts and criticisms regarding the SNP record on crime, education and the NHS. Further criticism - as to avoid playing defense - will follow regarding the independence issue, outlining that the SNP is only making it harder to fight for Remain by maintaining a push for independence as soon as possible regardless of the consequences. Alongside repeating the Change UK message on the union (Federal UK) and the economic (Social Market), Soubry will also challenge Sturgeon on the future status of an independent Scotland, casting doubt on the future Anglo-Scottish border.

September 3rd and 4th, LONDON: The campaign once again closes the week in London, pursuing another two-day long push by moving into more swing areas in which it is felt there's a need to challenge Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens to prevent losses. Using both Darling (economy, Brexit hesitance) and Cameron (crime, Brexit) as convenient foils, Soubry and Change UK will do their best to differentiate themselves by campaigning on local issues that Johnson and Khan have failed to address as well (crime, housing, transport), as well as the need for an uniequivocally Remain party leading the next government, casting doubts on whether Labour would truly fill this role with their previous balancing act in the North.

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[/list][/list]

[Lumine]

"Time for Change"

Change UK Party Political Broadcast

₁

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Scene

Broadcast opens by portraying a darkened television study with a podium in the middle, in which several different takes will be shown with a different actress or actor at the podium. It will be intended to show the falser and cynical side of politics.

Actors/Actresses: There will be seven of them, ideally resembling the main party leaders as much as possible, and each wearing a different tie or accessory that is meant to represent the color of their respective party. Represented are the Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems, BFP, Sinn Fein and the SNP, but the name of the party leaders is never to be uttered.

Opening

Narrator: As the campaign draws to a close, the political party leaders bravely face the tough questions from the public in their fight to serve the people of the United Kingdom.

-

(We see the Cameron actor, smug, with a blue tie and a Cheshire Cat smirk.)

Person 1: I still don’t know what your plans for Brexit are. So what are they?

(The Cameron actor looks confused, looks at his papers)

Cameron: (still grinning) Pass.

(Person 1 looks annoyed.)

-

(We see the Darling actor, red tie, glasses and with a bored expression, like a grey accountant)

Person 2: I remember you! You crashed the economy, didn’t you?

Darling: (exasperated) I should have known people would still remember that!

(Person 2 looks irritated.)

-

(We see the Swinson actress, yellow necklace, nervous, played by a teenager)

Person 3: Your regional Brexit plan would break up the nation, wouldn’t it?

Swinson: (visibly panicked) Oh, gosh, I have no idea! Ask me a different question.

Person 3: Okay. How will you pay for all that new spending?

Swinson: (frozen) Uhhh… Yes, yes I think my plan will break up the union. (smiles as if having aced the question)

(Person 3 is stunned.)

-

(We see the Nuttall actor, dressed in a Union Jack Suit with a purple tie. He looks confident.)

Nuttall: (boisterous) Come on, ask me anything! A man of the people always takes questions.

Person 4: Didn’t you lie about being at Hillsborough?

Nuttall: (deadpan) Pass.

Person 4: Okay. Didn’t you lie about your career?

Nuttall: (deadpan) Pass.

Person 4: Right. Wasn’t your party responsible for making a mess out of Brexit?

Nuttall: (deadpan) Pass.

(Person 4 looks in disbelief.)

-

(We see the McDonald actress, with a dark-green accessory.)

Person 5: Oh, you want us to Remain in the EU, right?

McDonald: (smiling) Absolutely.

Person 5: So you will go to Westminster to fight Brexit, right?

McDonald: (smiling) No.

Person 5: Um. But you will go to Parliament to do your job, right?

McDonald: (still smiling) No.

Person 5: So what’s the point then?

(McDonald, still smiling, ignores Person 5 and walks out with her papers. Person 5 looks stunned.)

-

(We see the Sturgeon actress, with a yellow and black accessory.)

Person 6: Your party has pushed for a lot of spending cuts in Scotland, hasn’t it?

Sturgeon: Independence.

Person 6: Okay… are you sure the EU would welcome an independent Scotland?

Sturgeon: Independence.

Person 6: Right, but wouldn’t an independent Scotland lead to a hard border in the North?

Sturgeon: Independence.

(Person 6 looks vexed.)

-

Ending

We cut to Anna Soubry in a political town hall, surrounded by several voters and a few of the more prominent Change UK candidates, with an emphasis on those new to politics.

Soubry: Tiring, isn’t it? You ask a straight question and you never get a straight answer, and they’ve done it for years now as they fail to solve any of the problems you face every day. But sure enough, they come back every five years to ask for your vote and they promise that this time they will get it right, or that they’ll solve the mess left by the other party. And then that party comes back after five years and it promises the same.

(Soubry sits on the stage, crosses her legs and takes a relaxed posture.)

Soubry: We got tired of that, we simply had enough. That is why all of us left the old parties to create a new one, one that could actually try to solve the problems of all Britons instead of falling into the old nonsense, or trying to govern by stoking fear and promoting division like the Prime Minister and his Coalition of Chaos like to do, or trying to govern without caring for the consequences, like others have done. The Union is at risk. Some want to force a damaging Hard Brexit on you and your family.  Public services are not doing well, and the economy doesn’t seem to really help the people.

(Uplifting music in the background)

Soubry: I think it’s Time for Change in Britain. After all, you’ve tried the old way already. Why not try something different this time?

(We cut to the Change UK logo and a “Vote for something different. Vote Change UK.” screen. Then we cut to black.)
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^{1.) Original Image:
BBC One, Party Election Broadcasts: Change UK - The Independent Group, modified.}

[Lumine]

Change UK:

Time for Change in Britain!

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Week 6:
The Final Effort

In General: With the election finally reaching its final stage, Change UK has decided to make a special closing effort focused on expanding the party base into disaffected voters, particularly those who rarely or never vote, do so for small parties, or are generally frustrated at the political system. This will be combined with a swing into MP-rich regions in order to guarantee large numbers of elected MP's (West and East Midlands, London, South West and South East) and a final dash into areas in which there's a risk of meeting the threshold, both Northern Ireland and Scotland, with a special focus against the Sinn Fein policies and the SNP's record, as well as their combined nationalist rhetoric. By this, Soubry and Change UK hope to maximize turnout and ensure a surprise takes place at Election Night, or, at least, that any losses from enemy attacks may be contained up to a minimum.

Strategy: A great emphasis will be placed in personal stories regarding the political deadlock. Change UK MP's and candidates are encouraged to tell their personal stories as to why they're fed up with current politics and the old parties, and to be as honest and authentic as their can in the process in order to better portray the novelty of the party and capture the mood of the public. Issues championed by small local or regional parties that are compatible will be taken up by regional candidates in order to draw voters away from these minor groups, and expand the party base. Alongside the now consolidated specific attacks on each party, the messaging will include a portray of several of the leaders as being more of the same (Cameron and Darling in particular), always in the hope of successfully presenting Change UK as the bold, exciting and optimistic future.

Visits:

September 5: WEST MIDLANDS (Focus: Economy, Crime, Brexit)
September 6: EAST MIDLANDS  (Focus: Economy, Crime, Brexit)
September 7: SCOTLAND (Focus: Federal UK, Economy, Brexit)
September 8: NORTHERN IRELAND (Focus: The Union, Abstentionism, Brexit)
September 9: SOUTH WEST (Focus: Under 16 vote, Brexit, Education)
September 10: SOUTH EAST (Focus: Brexit, Transport, Economy)
September 11: LONDON (Focus: Brexit, Political Reform, Housing)

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[Lumine]

HEIDI ALLEN (Change UK): "We're obviously very thrilled with the exit poll, we fought very hard during this campaign to offer something different to the voters and I think Change UK has been warmly recieved. We can never fully trust exit polls, but it would seem that we'll be gaining a good amount of seats today against the old established parties, which is a remarkable accomplishment for any new party.

Personally, I'm also very pleased with those results from Wales and the North East, with those two regions alone electing almost as many MP's as we had before the election was called. Our leading candidates Diana Wallis and Jon Owen Jones were a fantastic MEP and a fantastic MP - respectively -, and we're very hopeful about having even better results in the larger regions. It is of course too early to judge, but I suspect we'll see one or two party leaders come under significant fire from their own MP's if some of the losses that Exit Poll is predicting take place."

[Lumine]

Change UK - Press Release

"Britain voted for Change"

Change UK celebrates the outcome of the General Election, which resulted in a net gain of 79 seats for the party, the largest gain out of any party in this electoral contest. We believe this shows the clear desire of millions of voters to move away from the traditional, old politics that have failed our nation, and we look forward to fighting for what we believe in alongside our 88 MP's in Westminster after the new Parliament begins.

Change UK is now the only party with elected representatives in every single region of the United Kingdom, and our resolve to fight for the union and the well being of all the regions of the UK is stronger than ever. Even further, we believe this result is a clear indication of the desire to have a Second Referendum and to avoid the damaging Hard-Brexit some have championed, as well over 60% of elected MPs belong to Remain-supporting parties.

We also congratulate Mr. Darling and Mr. Cameron for winning the first and second largest number of seats, and we look forward to the upcoming discussions regarding the formation of a new, dynamic and forward-thinking government for the UK. It is important a strong government is formed instead of a minority one, and we will be more than open to listening what the largest parties have to say regarding the next government.

However, we passionately believe in the need for a second referendum, the need of ambitious political reform and the importance of preserving the union, all of them beliefs we are not prepared to trade away simply for the sake of power.

Above all, Britain voted for Change last night, and Change UK will be working to ensure that much needed change can be delivered.