The Blog
The Top 10 Issues For Gen Z and How Labour, Trump, and the Conservative Party Are Responding
By Joseph Vambe, Gen Z Education Ambassador and Labour Councillor
As Gen Z becomes an increasingly significant voting bloc, their priorities are shaping political agendas worldwide. This generation’s concerns reflect a mix of progressive ideals and pragmatic anxieties about their financial futures. With Labour recently marking its first 100 days in government, Donald Trump returning to the White House, and the Conservative Party recalibrating its platform, here’s how these political entities address the issues that matter most to Gen Z.
1. Climate Change
Gen Z’s Concern: Climate change remains a defining issue, with Gen Z demanding bold action to combat global warming and protect the planet.
Labour: Labour have established Great British Energy to achieve energy independence, create jobs and to make Britain a clean energy superpower.
Trump: Trump continues to prioritise fossil fuel production, advocating for energy independence through oil and natural gas development. His administration rolled back environmental regulations and withdrew the US from international climate agreements.
Conservatives: The Conservatives so far maintain the UK’s 2050 net-zero target but have taken a more cautious approach. They advocate for market-driven solutions over government mandates.
2. Economic Inequality
Gen Z’s Concern: Many Gen Zers face precarious work conditions, stagnant wages, and rising living costs, deepening concerns about wealth disparity.
Labour: Labour has introduced progressive tax reforms, targeting the wealthy. They’ve raised the minimum wage and ended exploitative practices like certain zero-hour contracts with their ‘new deal for working people’.
Trump: Trump’s economic policies focus on deregulation and tax cuts for corporations and high earners, aiming to stimulate growth and investment. Critics argue this approach exacerbates inequality.
Conservatives: The Conservatives have pledged to reduce inequality through job creation and support for small businesses but stop short of redistributive measures. They oppose significant tax hikes on high earners, arguing it could stifle growth.
3. Crypto and Investing
Gen Z’s Concern: Gen Z has embraced cryptocurrency and retail investing as a means to achieve financial independence. They want clear regulations that allow innovation without stifling growth.
Labour: Labour has signalled support for fintech innovation but is cautious about the risks of cryptocurrency. They plan to regulate the sector more rigorously to prevent fraud while promoting blockchain technology’s potential benefits.
Trump: Trump’s administration has leaned into deregulation, championing crypto as part of his pro-business stance. His policies appeal to young retail investors hoping for fewer restrictions on decentralised finance.
Conservatives: The Conservatives have taken a balanced approach, aiming to position the UK as a global hub for cryptocurrency by offering regulatory clarity and fostering innovation while addressing concerns about financial stability and illicit activities.
4. Housing Affordability
Gen Z’s Concern: With skyrocketing rents and house prices, owning a home feels out of reach for many in this generation.
Labour: Labour’s housing plan includes building 300,000 new homes annually, focusing on social and affordable housing. They’re also legislating to cap rent increases and expanded tenants’ rights.
Trump: Trump’s policies focus on deregulating the housing market to encourage private sector investment. Affordable housing programmes remain underfunded compared to past administrations.
Conservatives: The Conservatives advocate for first-time buyer schemes like Help to Buy and aim to ease planning regulations to boost housing supply. Critics argue these measures fall short of addressing the root causes of the housing crisis.
5. Mental Health
Gen Z’s Concern: Mental health is a growing priority, with Gen Z demanding better access to care and reduced stigma around mental health issues.
Labour: Labour has pledged to make mental health services a priority within the NHS, increasing funding and introducing guaranteed wait times for therapy and counselling.
Trump: Trump’s approach to mental health focuses on private sector solutions and community-based initiatives rather than expanding federal programmes.
Conservatives: The Conservatives have promised to increase NHS funding for mental health and improve access to services but have been criticised for slow implementation and workforce shortages.
6. Education Costs and Student Debt
Gen Z’s Concern: Rising tuition fees and mounting student debt burden many young people, prompting calls for reform.
Labour: Labour recently increased tuition fees for university students.
Trump: Trump supports privatising parts of the student loan system and reducing federal involvement.
Conservatives: The Conservatives have defended tuition fees as necessary for funding higher education but have promised to increase student loan repayment thresholds to ease the burden.
7. Social Justice and Equality
Gen Z’s Concern: This generation values diversity and inclusion, prioritising policies that address systemic racism, gender inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Labour: Labour’s agenda includes reforms to tackle workplace discrimination, strengthen LGBTQ+ protections, and improve representation in leadership roles.
Trump: Trump has taken a more polarising approach, rolling back certain anti-discrimination protections while appealing to conservative voters by opposing “woke culture.”
Conservatives: The Conservatives advocate for incremental changes, focusing on merit-based approaches to equality and avoiding what they perceive as divisive identity politics.
8. Jobs and the Gig Economy
Gen Z’s Concern: As many Gen Z workers navigate the gig economy, they demand stronger protections and fairer pay.
Labour: Labour have overhauled worker rights, including paid sick leave for gig workers, minimum wage guarantees, and the right to unionise.
Trump: Trump’s administration leans toward deregulating the gig economy, favouring flexibility for businesses and contractors over increased worker protections.
Conservatives: The Conservatives aim to strike a balance, proposing limited reforms to improve conditions for gig workers without imposing heavy burdens on businesses.
9. Healthcare
Gen Z’s Concern: Accessible and affordable healthcare is crucial for a generation navigating economic uncertainty and rising medical costs.
Labour: Labour has committed to fully funding the NHS and reducing waiting times.
Trump: Trump has continued to advocate for the repeal of Obamacare, favouring private insurance options and reduced government involvement in healthcare.
Conservatives: The Conservatives pledge to maintain NHS funding increases but have faced criticism for allowing creeping privatisation and long waiting times.
10. Digital Privacy and Regulation
Gen Z’s Concern: As a digitally native generation, Gen Z is highly aware of issues like data privacy, cybercrime, and online misinformation.
Labour: Labour has proposed stricter regulations on tech companies, including measures to combat online harassment and protect user data.
Trump: Trump supports minimal regulation of tech companies, citing free speech concerns. However, his administration has targeted platforms accused of bias against conservatives.
Conservatives: The Conservatives have taken a mixed approach, pushing for greater oversight of social media while resisting sweeping regulations that could stifle innovation.
Conclusion: Bridging Generational Divides
As the political landscape shifts in 2025, addressing Gen Z’s diverse concerns requires a nuanced approach. Labour’s bold, progressive policies resonate with the generation’s values, but they must deliver tangible results to maintain trust. Trump’s appeal to financial independence and deregulation taps into Gen Z’s pragmatic streak, particularly in areas like crypto. The Conservatives, caught between tradition and modernisation, face the challenge of staying relevant to a generation seeking bold solutions. For Gen Z, the stakes are high, and the policies of today will shape their futures—and their votes—for decades to come.
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