First Past the Post is at the heart of a lack of trust in politics
As long as we persist with a broken electoral system that distorts the views of the public, sidelining the voices of a majority in order to deliver false governing majorities, we will not be able to rebuild trust in the democratic process.
One Vision, Three Documents: Comparing the Constitutions of the US, France, and Norway
Very few texts are more important for understanding democracy and the rule of law than national constitutions. The constitutions of France, Norway, and the United States can all be used as examples to show how these nations, despite having extremely dissimilar histories, cultures, and political systems, nonetheless share many features with one another. By comparing and analysing various constitutions, I aim to uncover insights into the workings of democratic societies, gain a broader perspective on democratic principles and practices, and inform efforts to strengthen and improve democracies worldwide.
Labour's attack ad targetting the Prime Minister
Labour faced backlash this month for their attack ad targetting the Prime Minister. The ad asked - “Do you think adults convicted of sexually assaulting children should go to prison? Rishi Sunak doesn’t.”
Democracy in Scotland - thoughts from our supporters
Nicola Sturgeon shocked the whole of the UK by announcing her decision to resign as First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party. A few weeks later, the race to become Scotland's next First Minister is in full swing. The leadership candidates have been debating a variety of topics, but issues of independence and devolution are centre stage.
The Public Order Bill - a potential body blow to the right to protest
In 2009, London hosted the G20. Six months after the financial crash which nearly wiped out the economies of scores of countries, the G20 meeting was always going to be contentious.
Stephen Farry MP: Conclusion of a comprehensive and legal Northern Ireland Protocol deal is urgent
The next few weeks are set to be crucial for the UK and EU reaching a negotiated outcome regarding the reform of the Northern Ireland Protocol, and with it the operation of the Northern Ireland Assembly and wider political stability and cohesion.
The anniversary of Charter 77
Forty-six years ago today, in January 1977, the Charter 77 movement began in Czechoslovakia. Charter 77 was a document that criticised the Czechoslovak government for violating human rights such as the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and religious freedom.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
As a campaign organisation, dependent in substantial part on members’ and supporters’ donations, Unlock Democracy is careful to look after the pennies and avoid duplicating effort with partners.
The youth aren’t politically disengaged, they’re electorally disenfranchised
The youth are, contrary to many common assertions, not the army of politically disengaged, lazy, self-indulgent TikTokers that many would paint us as.
A disappointing ‘fresh start’
In his first speech as Prime Minister on the 25th of October, Rishi Sunak promised that “this government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.”
Time for the public to decide?
Liz Truss’ first month as Prime Minister has been eventful to say the least. Alongside her Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, Liz Truss has announced new policies across the spectrum. These policies range from lifting the ban on fracking, to major tax cuts.
Upgrading Democracy - A Work in Progress
Party conference season is over - read our Director’s take on what we learned at them.
A change of heart or a change of tactics?
Dominic Raab’s plan to rip up the Human Rights Act and replace it with a second rate bill of rights has been dropped by the Government.
Political illiteracy – the looming threat to our democracy
Britain prides itself on being a democracy. Yet the national failure to provide young people with sufficient political literacy means ‘we are delegitimising our democratic process.’
10 Times Boris Johnson nearly broke democracy (and how we can stop it happening again)
We’ve compiled our ten most memorable moments when Johnson nearly broke our democracy. Scroll to the bottom to find out how we can stop it happening again.
A low point for trust in politics
It’s been a chaotic week in British politics. Boris Johnson was forced to resign as Prime Minister after a flurry of ministerial resignations left him unable to govern. He remains as Prime Minister until the Conservative Party elect their new leader. For years to come, there will be vociferous and partisan debate about Boris Johnson's legacy.
Youth Citizen Assemblies- How would they improve our democracy?
Young people are fired up about many social issues, but traditional politics doesn’t seem to be offering the solutions we need. Youth assemblies may be one of the solutions to creating a more accessible political arena where all voices are not only heard, but hold power.
A disappointing Queen’s Speech: Thoughts from our supporters
More than a month has passed since the Government set out its legislative priorities in the Queen’s Speech. The Queen’s Speech was the perfect opportunity for the Government to announce measures to strengthen and modernise our democracy. New measures to promote accountability and transparency could have brought an end to months of scandal at the heart of Government.
Proportional representation - tropes and triumphs
Unlock Democracy, with fellow campaign organisations like Conservative Action for Electoral Reform, the Electoral Reform Society and Make Votes Matter, support proportional representation (PR) for Westminster elections as an alternative to FPTP.
Queen’s Speech Fails to Unlock Democracy
Yesterday’s headlines on the Queen’s Speech were dominated by references to Her Majesty’s absence, for only the third time in her reign, from this major constitutional and political event.