Unlock Democracy
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social
We campaign for a vibrant, inclusive democracy that puts power in the hands of the people. Reposts do not imply endorsement.
Our voting system cannot cope with multi-party politics.
As @robfordmancs.bsky.social told an Unlock Democracy webinar earlier this year:
"The price politicians who opt to retain First Past the Post will pay is ever more chaotic and unpredictable election results."
H/t Andy Beckett.
As @robfordmancs.bsky.social told an Unlock Democracy webinar earlier this year:
"The price politicians who opt to retain First Past the Post will pay is ever more chaotic and unpredictable election results."
H/t Andy Beckett.
November 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Our voting system cannot cope with multi-party politics.
As @robfordmancs.bsky.social told an Unlock Democracy webinar earlier this year:
"The price politicians who opt to retain First Past the Post will pay is ever more chaotic and unpredictable election results."
H/t Andy Beckett.
As @robfordmancs.bsky.social told an Unlock Democracy webinar earlier this year:
"The price politicians who opt to retain First Past the Post will pay is ever more chaotic and unpredictable election results."
H/t Andy Beckett.
Authoritarianism doesn’t happen overnight - it’s measurable.
Join us this Saturday as we talk to Christina Pagel about the Trump Action Tracker, what the data reveals, and why it matters for the UK.
Don’t miss it, register here 👇
shorturl.at/bRenT
Join us this Saturday as we talk to Christina Pagel about the Trump Action Tracker, what the data reveals, and why it matters for the UK.
Don’t miss it, register here 👇
shorturl.at/bRenT
November 6, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Authoritarianism doesn’t happen overnight - it’s measurable.
Join us this Saturday as we talk to Christina Pagel about the Trump Action Tracker, what the data reveals, and why it matters for the UK.
Don’t miss it, register here 👇
shorturl.at/bRenT
Join us this Saturday as we talk to Christina Pagel about the Trump Action Tracker, what the data reveals, and why it matters for the UK.
Don’t miss it, register here 👇
shorturl.at/bRenT
A year ago today, Donald Trump was re-elected President of the US.
Almost every day since, he has pushed to expand his own power at the expense of democratic norms.
Let’s stop the same thing happening here in the UK.
Please donate to our Crowdfunder 👇
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
Almost every day since, he has pushed to expand his own power at the expense of democratic norms.
Let’s stop the same thing happening here in the UK.
Please donate to our Crowdfunder 👇
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
Time to fight back
Now more than ever, we need to fight back to protect democracy in the UK. Please support us by backing our Crowdfunder today.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 3:53 PM
A year ago today, Donald Trump was re-elected President of the US.
Almost every day since, he has pushed to expand his own power at the expense of democratic norms.
Let’s stop the same thing happening here in the UK.
Please donate to our Crowdfunder 👇
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
Almost every day since, he has pushed to expand his own power at the expense of democratic norms.
Let’s stop the same thing happening here in the UK.
Please donate to our Crowdfunder 👇
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
It's time for politicians to stop scapegoating human rights.
Human rights laws underpin our daily freedoms, enable ordinary people - of all backgrounds - to hold the state & public bodies accountable, and are fundamental to our democracy.
Read more here 👇
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Human rights laws underpin our daily freedoms, enable ordinary people - of all backgrounds - to hold the state & public bodies accountable, and are fundamental to our democracy.
Read more here 👇
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
November 3, 2025 at 2:43 PM
It's time for politicians to stop scapegoating human rights.
Human rights laws underpin our daily freedoms, enable ordinary people - of all backgrounds - to hold the state & public bodies accountable, and are fundamental to our democracy.
Read more here 👇
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Human rights laws underpin our daily freedoms, enable ordinary people - of all backgrounds - to hold the state & public bodies accountable, and are fundamental to our democracy.
Read more here 👇
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
"While deliverism is no guarantee of brighter electoral prospects for Labour, failure to oversee improved levels of trust in politics is a near-certain recipe for defeat."
Former UD intern, Lola Record, asks 'is delivery the answer to Labour's problems?' 👇
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog1/2025/1...
Former UD intern, Lola Record, asks 'is delivery the answer to Labour's problems?' 👇
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog1/2025/1...
Can Labour delivery stop Farage becoming Prime Minister? — Unlock Democracy
While deliverism is no guarantee of brighter electoral prospects for Labour, failure to oversee improved levels of trust in politics is a near-certain recipe for defeat.
unlockdemocracy.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 10:01 AM
"While deliverism is no guarantee of brighter electoral prospects for Labour, failure to oversee improved levels of trust in politics is a near-certain recipe for defeat."
Former UD intern, Lola Record, asks 'is delivery the answer to Labour's problems?' 👇
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog1/2025/1...
Former UD intern, Lola Record, asks 'is delivery the answer to Labour's problems?' 👇
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog1/2025/1...
These are dangerous times.
Democracy worldwide is under attack from the authoritarian right.
That’s why we're trying to raise £35,000 in 5 weeks to power the big FIGHT BACK.
Please support us by backing our Crowdfunder today.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
Democracy worldwide is under attack from the authoritarian right.
That’s why we're trying to raise £35,000 in 5 weeks to power the big FIGHT BACK.
Please support us by backing our Crowdfunder today.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
Time to fight back
Now more than ever, we need to fight back to protect democracy in the UK. Please support us by backing our Crowdfunder today.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 3:36 PM
These are dangerous times.
Democracy worldwide is under attack from the authoritarian right.
That’s why we're trying to raise £35,000 in 5 weeks to power the big FIGHT BACK.
Please support us by backing our Crowdfunder today.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
Democracy worldwide is under attack from the authoritarian right.
That’s why we're trying to raise £35,000 in 5 weeks to power the big FIGHT BACK.
Please support us by backing our Crowdfunder today.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
It's welcome that the ethics adviser was immediately consulted in relation to Rachel Reeves' breach of home rental rules.
But in future, even when no further action is needed, we should hear that from the Adviser themself, not the PM.
But in future, even when no further action is needed, we should hear that from the Adviser themself, not the PM.
October 30, 2025 at 12:07 PM
It's welcome that the ethics adviser was immediately consulted in relation to Rachel Reeves' breach of home rental rules.
But in future, even when no further action is needed, we should hear that from the Adviser themself, not the PM.
But in future, even when no further action is needed, we should hear that from the Adviser themself, not the PM.
Surrey’s council reorganisation makes politicians even more remote from the people they represent.
This heavily centralising step is bad for democracy.
www.lgcplus.com/politics/dev...
This heavily centralising step is bad for democracy.
www.lgcplus.com/politics/dev...
Surrey Plans for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
Our interim business proposal. This business proposal gives an overview of our recommendations for local government reorganisation in Surrey.
www.surreycc.gov.uk
October 28, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Surrey’s council reorganisation makes politicians even more remote from the people they represent.
This heavily centralising step is bad for democracy.
www.lgcplus.com/politics/dev...
This heavily centralising step is bad for democracy.
www.lgcplus.com/politics/dev...
Reposted by Unlock Democracy
Our new film argues that community power is the antidote to division and democratic decline.
Give communities the power to fix broken Britain from the ground up.
🎥 Watch and share.
Read the story behind the film: www.right-here.org/community-po...
Film by @tuz0.bsky.social
Give communities the power to fix broken Britain from the ground up.
🎥 Watch and share.
Read the story behind the film: www.right-here.org/community-po...
Film by @tuz0.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Our new film argues that community power is the antidote to division and democratic decline.
Give communities the power to fix broken Britain from the ground up.
🎥 Watch and share.
Read the story behind the film: www.right-here.org/community-po...
Film by @tuz0.bsky.social
Give communities the power to fix broken Britain from the ground up.
🎥 Watch and share.
Read the story behind the film: www.right-here.org/community-po...
Film by @tuz0.bsky.social
🧠 Think tanks shape policy.
💷 But who shapes them?
Influence in our democracy should go hand-in-hand with transparency.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) work against that, shielding those donating to think tanks & other organisations from public scrutiny.
www.desmog.com/2025/10/15/h...
💷 But who shapes them?
Influence in our democracy should go hand-in-hand with transparency.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) work against that, shielding those donating to think tanks & other organisations from public scrutiny.
www.desmog.com/2025/10/15/h...
How a ‘Pro-Climate’ Charity Channelled Cash to a Koch-Funded Think Tank
A UK charity that portrays itself as a climate leader facilitated a £830,000 donation to the Mercatus Center, a conservative think tank heavily funded by U.S. oil billionaire Charles Koch, DeSmog can…
www.desmog.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:53 PM
🧠 Think tanks shape policy.
💷 But who shapes them?
Influence in our democracy should go hand-in-hand with transparency.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) work against that, shielding those donating to think tanks & other organisations from public scrutiny.
www.desmog.com/2025/10/15/h...
💷 But who shapes them?
Influence in our democracy should go hand-in-hand with transparency.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) work against that, shielding those donating to think tanks & other organisations from public scrutiny.
www.desmog.com/2025/10/15/h...
The Commons Modernisation Committee can't stay sitting on its hands while the public's trust in Parliament continues to erode.
It must bring forward proposals to raise standards for MPs and rebuild trust in Parliament.
Please sign our letter 👇
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/modernisatio...
It must bring forward proposals to raise standards for MPs and rebuild trust in Parliament.
Please sign our letter 👇
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/modernisatio...
Letter — Unlock Democracy
unlockdemocracy.org.uk
October 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The Commons Modernisation Committee can't stay sitting on its hands while the public's trust in Parliament continues to erode.
It must bring forward proposals to raise standards for MPs and rebuild trust in Parliament.
Please sign our letter 👇
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/modernisatio...
It must bring forward proposals to raise standards for MPs and rebuild trust in Parliament.
Please sign our letter 👇
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/modernisatio...
With government finances painfully tight, departmental spending receipts must be published promptly.
They help detect & prevent the misuse or waste of public resources.
Delaying their publication damages the government’s ability to control its expenditure.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
They help detect & prevent the misuse or waste of public resources.
Delaying their publication damages the government’s ability to control its expenditure.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Ministry of Justice ‘has failed to file spending receipts of nearly £11bn’
Analyst firm Tussell says department is more than two years behind on publishing receipts, weakening scrutiny around public money
www.theguardian.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:24 AM
With government finances painfully tight, departmental spending receipts must be published promptly.
They help detect & prevent the misuse or waste of public resources.
Delaying their publication damages the government’s ability to control its expenditure.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
They help detect & prevent the misuse or waste of public resources.
Delaying their publication damages the government’s ability to control its expenditure.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Unlock Democracy
The new Ethics and Integrity Commission is already facing concerns about its power, independence & resources.
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, @anticorruption.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org warn the regulator is “vulnerable to political pressure” while its budget is set by the Cabinet Office:
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, @anticorruption.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org warn the regulator is “vulnerable to political pressure” while its budget is set by the Cabinet Office:
Experts voice fears as Ethics and Integrity Commission goes live
Successor body to Committee on Standards in Public Life “needs full independence and statutory footing”, anti-corruption organisations warn
www.civilserviceworld.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The new Ethics and Integrity Commission is already facing concerns about its power, independence & resources.
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, @anticorruption.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org warn the regulator is “vulnerable to political pressure” while its budget is set by the Cabinet Office:
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, @anticorruption.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org warn the regulator is “vulnerable to political pressure” while its budget is set by the Cabinet Office:
"Where most other European countries are used to navigating balanced parliaments, modern French politics, its reflexes and incentive structures – majoritarian, like our own – militate against consensus. Britain should take heed."
Will the UK go the way of France?
leftfootforward.org/2025/10/fran...
Will the UK go the way of France?
leftfootforward.org/2025/10/fran...
France’s political crisis is a glimpse of Britain’s future – will we react?
Electoral reform will not transform our political culture overnight, but refusing to confront fragmentation will make effective governance permanently impossible.
leftfootforward.org
October 14, 2025 at 12:49 PM
"Where most other European countries are used to navigating balanced parliaments, modern French politics, its reflexes and incentive structures – majoritarian, like our own – militate against consensus. Britain should take heed."
Will the UK go the way of France?
leftfootforward.org/2025/10/fran...
Will the UK go the way of France?
leftfootforward.org/2025/10/fran...
As it stands, the new Ethics & Integrity Commission amounts to little more than "a cosmetic rebrand of a flawed standards regime."
With @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org, @spotlightcorruption.org & @transparencyuk.bsky.social, we're calling for changes to ensure it can actually hold power to account.
With @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org, @spotlightcorruption.org & @transparencyuk.bsky.social, we're calling for changes to ensure it can actually hold power to account.
October 13, 2025 at 4:51 PM
As it stands, the new Ethics & Integrity Commission amounts to little more than "a cosmetic rebrand of a flawed standards regime."
With @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org, @spotlightcorruption.org & @transparencyuk.bsky.social, we're calling for changes to ensure it can actually hold power to account.
With @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org, @spotlightcorruption.org & @transparencyuk.bsky.social, we're calling for changes to ensure it can actually hold power to account.
The UK is already among the most centralised countries in Europe. Why waste time & money to shift even more power from local communities to new mega councils, when polls show people want power exercised as close to them as possible?
Spot on from Polly Toynbee 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Spot on from Polly Toynbee 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
English democracy relies on local councillors. So why are so many facing the axe? | Polly Toynbee
Government plans to merge councils may not save money, and do nothing to solve the very real problems they face, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:32 PM
The UK is already among the most centralised countries in Europe. Why waste time & money to shift even more power from local communities to new mega councils, when polls show people want power exercised as close to them as possible?
Spot on from Polly Toynbee 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Spot on from Polly Toynbee 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
A free press is a vital part of a functioning democracy.
That means all sides accommodating critical voices.
Even the appearance of Labour and the Conservatives trying to stifle dissent at their party conferences sets us on a dangerous path.
bylinetimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
That means all sides accommodating critical voices.
Even the appearance of Labour and the Conservatives trying to stifle dissent at their party conferences sets us on a dangerous path.
bylinetimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
Conservatives Accused of ‘Trumpian’ Tactics After Barring Second Byline Times Journalist From Conference
Veteran award-winning investigative journalist David Hencke has attended Conservative party conference since 1987 but is now hundreds of pounds out of pocket after being blocked from attending
bylinetimes.com
October 8, 2025 at 6:34 PM
A free press is a vital part of a functioning democracy.
That means all sides accommodating critical voices.
Even the appearance of Labour and the Conservatives trying to stifle dissent at their party conferences sets us on a dangerous path.
bylinetimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
That means all sides accommodating critical voices.
Even the appearance of Labour and the Conservatives trying to stifle dissent at their party conferences sets us on a dangerous path.
bylinetimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
Constitutions live or die on politicians’ respect for the rules above personal or party interest.
Whether it’s gerrymandering electoral districts or restricting the franchise, when one side tries to rig the game in its favour, the whole system is put at risk.
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog1/2025/1...
Whether it’s gerrymandering electoral districts or restricting the franchise, when one side tries to rig the game in its favour, the whole system is put at risk.
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog1/2025/1...
Trump’s gerrymandering war: reflections from the UK — Unlock Democracy
President Trump kickstarted a gerrymandering war by instructing Texas Republicans to redraw the state’s congressional districts and Democrat Gavin Newsom responding with retaliatory redistricting in…
unlockdemocracy.org.uk
October 8, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Constitutions live or die on politicians’ respect for the rules above personal or party interest.
Whether it’s gerrymandering electoral districts or restricting the franchise, when one side tries to rig the game in its favour, the whole system is put at risk.
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog1/2025/1...
Whether it’s gerrymandering electoral districts or restricting the franchise, when one side tries to rig the game in its favour, the whole system is put at risk.
unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog1/2025/1...
Reposted by Unlock Democracy
Lovely to talk referendums with the ever-insightful David Runciman. This is part of a series on how to fix democracy's problems - definitely worth a listen if you haven't done so yet!
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
In today’s episode David talks to @alanrenwick.bsky.social from UCL’s Constitution Unit about the pros & cons of referendums. How can they be used to open up political debate? When does a democratic question need to be put direct to the people?
Find us at...🎧 ppfideas.com
In today’s episode David talks to @alanrenwick.bsky.social from UCL’s Constitution Unit about the pros & cons of referendums. How can they be used to open up political debate? When does a democratic question need to be put direct to the people?
Find us at...🎧 ppfideas.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Lovely to talk referendums with the ever-insightful David Runciman. This is part of a series on how to fix democracy's problems - definitely worth a listen if you haven't done so yet!
Voters think UK politics is becoming more corrupt.
That's why alongside @spotlightcorruption.org, @transparencyuk.bsky.social & more, we’re urging the govt to ensure the new Ethics & Integrity Commission is:
✔️ Independent
✔️ Properly resourced
✔️ Backed w/ real powers
www.politico.eu/newsletter/p...
That's why alongside @spotlightcorruption.org, @transparencyuk.bsky.social & more, we’re urging the govt to ensure the new Ethics & Integrity Commission is:
✔️ Independent
✔️ Properly resourced
✔️ Backed w/ real powers
www.politico.eu/newsletter/p...
October 2, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Voters think UK politics is becoming more corrupt.
That's why alongside @spotlightcorruption.org, @transparencyuk.bsky.social & more, we’re urging the govt to ensure the new Ethics & Integrity Commission is:
✔️ Independent
✔️ Properly resourced
✔️ Backed w/ real powers
www.politico.eu/newsletter/p...
That's why alongside @spotlightcorruption.org, @transparencyuk.bsky.social & more, we’re urging the govt to ensure the new Ethics & Integrity Commission is:
✔️ Independent
✔️ Properly resourced
✔️ Backed w/ real powers
www.politico.eu/newsletter/p...
YouGov's latest MRP shows just how broken First Past the Post is.
Were an election held tommorow, 155 MPs would be elected on less than 3 in 10 votes.
On average, an MP would be elected with just 34.4%, and in one seat, the winner would scrape in on only 22.1% (Cardiff East).
Were an election held tommorow, 155 MPs would be elected on less than 3 in 10 votes.
On average, an MP would be elected with just 34.4%, and in one seat, the winner would scrape in on only 22.1% (Cardiff East).
September 26, 2025 at 4:03 PM
YouGov's latest MRP shows just how broken First Past the Post is.
Were an election held tommorow, 155 MPs would be elected on less than 3 in 10 votes.
On average, an MP would be elected with just 34.4%, and in one seat, the winner would scrape in on only 22.1% (Cardiff East).
Were an election held tommorow, 155 MPs would be elected on less than 3 in 10 votes.
On average, an MP would be elected with just 34.4%, and in one seat, the winner would scrape in on only 22.1% (Cardiff East).
Young people who begin voting at 16 are more likely to stay voters for life. We can’t wait to see that energy in UK elections 🗳️ #v16 #VotesAt16
September 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Young people who begin voting at 16 are more likely to stay voters for life. We can’t wait to see that energy in UK elections 🗳️ #v16 #VotesAt16
Reposted by Unlock Democracy
✍️ Tracking Trump’s actions
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Tracking Trump’s actions
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
September 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
✍️ Tracking Trump’s actions
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Should someone like Elon Musk be allowed to donate millions of pounds to UK political parties?
We’ve all seen his comments at the weekend.
So far, the govt seems intensely relaxed about mega rich donors like Musk buying outsized influence in our politics.
We say: cap donations, level the field.
We’ve all seen his comments at the weekend.
So far, the govt seems intensely relaxed about mega rich donors like Musk buying outsized influence in our politics.
We say: cap donations, level the field.
September 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Should someone like Elon Musk be allowed to donate millions of pounds to UK political parties?
We’ve all seen his comments at the weekend.
So far, the govt seems intensely relaxed about mega rich donors like Musk buying outsized influence in our politics.
We say: cap donations, level the field.
We’ve all seen his comments at the weekend.
So far, the govt seems intensely relaxed about mega rich donors like Musk buying outsized influence in our politics.
We say: cap donations, level the field.
Trump's state visit is a reminder of how quickly democracy can begin to unravel.
Without proper safeguards, UK democracy is no less vulnerable to subversion.
Great to welcome Rachel Blake MP to discuss how to create a #ResilientDemocracy alongside @radixuk.bsky.social & @compinpolitics.bsky.social
Without proper safeguards, UK democracy is no less vulnerable to subversion.
Great to welcome Rachel Blake MP to discuss how to create a #ResilientDemocracy alongside @radixuk.bsky.social & @compinpolitics.bsky.social
September 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Trump's state visit is a reminder of how quickly democracy can begin to unravel.
Without proper safeguards, UK democracy is no less vulnerable to subversion.
Great to welcome Rachel Blake MP to discuss how to create a #ResilientDemocracy alongside @radixuk.bsky.social & @compinpolitics.bsky.social
Without proper safeguards, UK democracy is no less vulnerable to subversion.
Great to welcome Rachel Blake MP to discuss how to create a #ResilientDemocracy alongside @radixuk.bsky.social & @compinpolitics.bsky.social