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9 Political Events To Look Out For In 2014

9 Political Events To Look Out For In 2014
Chris York

2013 was a big year for politics. But 2014, with a much-awaited election and an even more-anticipated referendum, should be even bigger.

All the political parties are going to be preparing for the general election in May 2015 - will this be the longest election campaign in history? - and various events over the coming 12 months may provide them with their last real chance to set out their stalls for disillusioned and distrustful voters.

Here's what to look out for...

The Big Events In 2014
Migrants From Bulgaria And Romania, 1 January(01 of08)
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The lifting of working restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian Immigrants is a political flash point. Some think we'll be flooded, others not. What is certain is that any negative consequences will be a boost for the Tories and Ukip with their increasingly anti-immigration stance. (credit:AP)
Budget 2014, 19 March(02 of08)
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This will be the 'penultimate budget before the next general election, a crucial test for Osborne's economic policy that could win or lose the vote for them. (credit:PA)
State Opening Of Parliament, (date tbc, usually May)(03 of08)
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The Queen will set out the government's agenda which will see the Tory's reveal their strategy to win the next general election. The date has yet to be announced. (credit:PA)
European Elections, 22 May (04 of08)
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It's make or break time for Nigel Farage and Ukip. Will they cause the "earthquake" predicted by Farage or fail with barely a whimper? (credit:AP)
Scottish independence Referendum, 18 September (05 of08)
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It's crunch time for Alex Salmond. Could 2014 see the breakup of the UK? (credit:PA)
Party Conference Season, September/October(06 of08)
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It's the last one before the general election so it's crunch time for all the party leaders. (credit:PA)
UN Climate Summit, September(07 of08)
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The global recession has had a detrimental effect on efforts to stem climate change with increasing numbers of people placing the economy above the environment in the list of their concerns. UN Climate Summits are better known for not getting anywhere than affecting meaningful change so can anything change in 2014 as the global economy gradually improves. (credit:Getty Images)
American Midterm Elections, November 4(08 of08)
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The US midterm elections will be a crucial test of Obama's second-term policies and an indication of which way the country could go in 2016. (credit:Getty Images)
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