Jess Metheringham, Unlock Democracy

If you want to hear more from Jess, or ask her and other Council members your own questions, then click here to join our online call on Thursday 9th April at 6pm.

Democracy is the foundation of our community. It’s the backbone of our modern social contract, the paper our laws are written on, the volume dial on our debates.

The really vital political issues don’t get talked about because our democracy is broken. Climate change is given barely a mention unless the government is held hostage by campaigners. Local councils are given the responsibilities for solving homelessness and social care, but not the funds to do so. We don’t discuss whether prisons are for rehabilitation or for punishment, or whether home ownership is a realistic dream or an unhelpful mirage, or whether sovereignty ought to lie with the government or with parliament. Even if a political system is based on fine principles, it still needs to be maintained and scrutinised. And right now, our political system desperately needs change. We need a democracy which listens to everyone and a democracy which values everyone. 

Unlock Democracy has its roots in campaigning for democratic change. Our members have been calling for a written constitution, for fairer votes, and for a more transparent system for many years. But UK politics is built on shifting sands, and it can be difficult to see how our campaigns lead to change. Democracy has not got better over the last decade. 

As an organisation, we need to take a long look at how we can achieve greater democracy in the current UK political climate. It’s a difficult sell to a general public who are more interested in the “what” of key political topics than the “how” of making political decision-making actually work. Politicians are often after quick wins, rather than the more difficult task of restructuring the system. We know that we risk being left behind – but we also know we still have a lot to add. We want to engage with people beyond think tanks and universities. We want to inform everyone about how our political system works, why democracy matters, and how it can change. And we need a really strong team to help us give all we can.

If you’ve thought about campaigning for democratic change, we’d like to hear from you. Stand for our elected council in May. We’re a 16-strong council, and we’re keen to welcome new council members. Come and join us, and bring your ideas of how we can bring about a radical change to UK politics. 

A better democracy isn’t an add-on, or a nice-to-have. It’s the glass which holds the liquid. Come and campaign for a better democracy alongside climate change, social justice, the hostile environment, and more. Because getting the system right gives us the tools to fix the most important issues.

If you want to hear more from Jess, or ask her and other Council members your own questions, then click here to join our online call on Thursday 9th April at 6pm.

Our Council elections are this June, if you want to vote or stand then become a member for as little as £1 per month.