Fair and open elections
We want the introduction of proportional voting system for all UK elections to ensure people’s voices are heard. New laws are needed to tackle disinformation, the influence of big money in politics and to ensure every eligible citizen can vote. We need a strong, independent Electoral Commission to ensure nobody breaks the rules.
Transparency in public decision making
In 2000, after years of pressure from Unlock Democracy and others, the government made Freedom of Information a British right. That was a high-water mark in transparency for UK citizens. Since then, successive governments have worked to diminish that right. The British people deserve to know how their power – and their money – are used.
Democratic accountability of all elected representatives, governments and public bodies
Our current laws and rules that should ensure accountability have been proved to be hopelessly inadequate. It appears that Ministers can break the Ministerial Code and even the law with little consequence. Parliament’s ability to hold the Government to account is weaker than ever. We need to restore accountability in our democracy.
Empowered individuals and communities with a greater say over the decisions that affect them
Real democracy isn’t just voting for a government every few years, it’s about genuinely involving citizens in how our country is run. We want to kick start an independent, open, inclusive Citizens’ Convention, free from party political interest, to breathe new life into our democracy.
Power exercised as close to the people as practicable
Successive UK governments have stripped power and funding away from local authorities over 40 years. We’ve become one of the most centralised countries in the world. It’s time to turn the tide and shift power back to local communities - so that people can have a real say in what goes on in their area.
Universal human rights for all
Right now our basic human rights are under threat from a government that is seeking to restrict free speech, free assembly and the right to protest. We want protect our human rights and enshrine them in a written constitution. This will set out our rights as citizens and restrict the power of government.
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