We know think tanks can shape government policy. But we often have no idea who is paying them to do so.

The Prime Minister must reaffirm our commitment to international human rights standards and curtail his enthusiasm for contravening our human rights’ obligations.

New report: Register Every Voter: How Automatic Voter Registration can bring the forgotten millions back into our democracy by Toby S. James Electoral registers are the bedrock of electoral and democratic processes. They are the definitive list of who can vote in an election.

3.5million UK citizens living abroad will be able to vote for the first time at the next election.

A guest post by Alun Drake that asks how did the UK end up in such a mess and how can we get out of it?

As we mark International Day of Democracy, the spectre of democratic backsliding looms. While widespread disdain for politics is understandable, we must overcome it to defend our rights.

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.”