No system is perfect, but a proportional electoral system takes account of the fact that every society is a congeries of diverse minorities and individuals, all of whom deserve an equal voice, and that government should not be party-political but should combine the most salient interests from across society in the service of all society. A guest blog by A.C. Grayling.

'The hard thinking has been done, the case has been made within the party, and the British public is crying out for change.'

Now is the time to finally rediscover our hope on meaningful Lords Reform. 

How Whatsapp is changing government

Unlock Democracy is delighted to welcome its new Honorary President, Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, to her post. Baroness Kennedy KC is a leading barrister and an expert in human rights law, civil liberties, and constitutional matters.

There is no requirement for think tanks to be transparent about the sources of their funding. If we can’t follow the money, we can’t be sure whose interests are being pursued. It’s time to let in the light.

There have been concerns about declining levels of democracy and democratic backsliding around the world.  Countries such as the United Kingdom have been called upon to support and address this global problem: one of the most important of our time.  But democratic erosion can occur within any country. 

Past protests have led to powerful steps forward and shaped British history for the better. Repealing anti-protest legislation may take some time, but it will be time well spent - restoring the right to protest is a vital part of democracy, and intrinsic to any positive agenda.

From the day that Unlock Democracy was founded, Universal Human Rights has been one of our key missions. 
We strongly support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) of 1950 and the UK Human Rights Act of 1998, that incorporated the rights set out in the ECHR into British law.

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.

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 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.”

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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 are, contrary to many common assertions, not the army of politically disengaged, lazy, self-indulgent TikTokers that many would paint us as.