i’s 2017 election manifesto

Britain’s political parties will eventually get around to releasing manifestos, telling you precisely what you’re voting for.

Here at i we can beat them to the draw. These are our promises to you, i’s readers, for coverage of the 2017 general election.

1. You Decide

Telling readers what to think is a media anachronism. We don’t have an axe to grind: i is unique among UK national newspapers in refusing to endorse a party. This does not mean bland BBC neutrality, or that every single page will be meticulously balanced to the point of tedium. It means we will approach stories and people fairly. This is consistent with our stance in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, 2015 general election and 2016 Brexit referendum, when our coverage received a positive response from readers.

We will approach stories and people fairly. This is consistent with our stance in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, 2015 general election and 2016 Brexit referendum.

Britain’s future won’t be decided by editors, media owners or big political donors, but by you.

2. i fact-checker

In the fog of post-truth politics, fake news and fear-mongering, facts matter. We will weigh evidence, scrutinise bold claims and unravel spin. i reader John Perry spoke for many among you when he asked: “Please include rigorous fact-checking across the parties.”

3. Outside the London bubble

Eighty-five per cent of i readers are outside London – unique among quality newspapers, and one reason why we steer clear of the London media bubble. In addition to our own scattered correspondents, our sister titles at Johnston Press employ 800 journalists around the UK, an increasing number of whom contribute to i coverage.

Our Scotland reporting is led by Scotland Editor Chris Green. Across the Irish Sea, Sam McBride has joined our team of writers as Group Political Editor, Northern Ireland. All this helps us to cover the turf with true insight into what matters to different communities.

4. Spiky comment that fires debate

Intelligent, witty columnists who make you think again are the hallmark of any quality title. We’ll run comment articles from across the spectrum, and know you won’t shy from telling us who you like, or not.

5. Promote democracy

Without getting too earnest, i supports anything that promotes political engagement – especially among young people, a pleasing number of whom are i readers. That’s why we launched our iVote campaign to sign up first-time voters. The generational wealth gap grows wider and will be a defining issue of our society for decades.

6. Beyond Brexit

Britain’s future relationship with Europe will be integral to this campaign, and feature prominently in our coverage. But parties will stand on broad manifestos, offering hundreds of policies. Mrs May wants to win a mandate for many changes, likely to include a cut to Britain’s foreign aid budget, an end to the pensions triple lock, an end to the tax lock and the creation of new grammar schools, for starters. Our coverage will reflect that variety.

See Friday’s i for a party-by-party rough guide – Tories, Labour, Lib Dems, SNP, Ukip, Greens and Plaid – on what they stand for.

7. i reader’s voices

When we launched in 2010, we tried to create a very different sort of newspaper, led by its readers. Your message to us has always been clear: more news, less chaff. When we fall short, or you’re inspired to suggest new directions for our coverage, you know where to find us, at i@inews.co.uk or Twitter @olyduff.

Friday’s i will include an invitation to contribute to our election coverage.

8. Less is more

We read all the manifestos, speeches and listen to hustings so you don’t have to. i’s bitesize format helps to cut through the noise.

If that sounds like it might appeal – alongside the regular menu of real-world news, comment, culture and sport – then I hope you’ll join us for another twist in the history of these isles.

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