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 Crowdfunder has just 24 HOURS to go! Will you donate before it closes?
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
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 26, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Our Crowdfunder has just 24 HOURS to go! Will you donate before it closes?
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
Reposted by Unlock Democracy
Pleased to attend Unlock Democracy’s event in Parliament today. 🗳 Our democracy is precious – we must do all we can to safeguard and strengthen it.
November 25, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Pleased to attend Unlock Democracy’s event in Parliament today. 🗳 Our democracy is precious – we must do all we can to safeguard and strengthen it.
It’s UK Parliament Week.
With public confidence in democracy shaken, it’s more important than ever that we bridge the gap between the people and the decisions taken in Parliament that affect our daily lives.
An informed, active public is the heart of a healthy democracy.
With public confidence in democracy shaken, it’s more important than ever that we bridge the gap between the people and the decisions taken in Parliament that affect our daily lives.
An informed, active public is the heart of a healthy democracy.
November 24, 2025 at 5:51 PM
It’s UK Parliament Week.
With public confidence in democracy shaken, it’s more important than ever that we bridge the gap between the people and the decisions taken in Parliament that affect our daily lives.
An informed, active public is the heart of a healthy democracy.
With public confidence in democracy shaken, it’s more important than ever that we bridge the gap between the people and the decisions taken in Parliament that affect our daily lives.
An informed, active public is the heart of a healthy democracy.
Reposted by Unlock Democracy
MPs are urging the government to commit to restoring the Electoral Commission's independence in the upcoming Elections Bill @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/cros...
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/cros...
Cross-party MPs ramp up calls for government to restore Electoral Commission’s independence
"Our democracy is not safe while the Electoral Commission is left so vulnerable."
leftfootforward.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
MPs are urging the government to commit to restoring the Electoral Commission's independence in the upcoming Elections Bill @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/cros...
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/cros...
Would you like to see the government stand up for our democracy, starting with a fairer voting system for Westminster, and a second chamber fit for the 21st century?
If so, please help us ramp up pressure on the government by donating to our Crowdfunder!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
If so, please help us ramp up pressure on the government by donating 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 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Would you like to see the government stand up for our democracy, starting with a fairer voting system for Westminster, and a second chamber fit for the 21st century?
If so, please help us ramp up pressure on the government by donating to our Crowdfunder!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
If so, please help us ramp up pressure on the government by donating to our Crowdfunder!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
No government should be able to meddle with the elections regulator.
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Politicians urge Labour to restore Electoral Commission independence
All-party group say move is needed to stop UK lagging behind global standards on election integrity
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:26 AM
No government should be able to meddle with the elections regulator.
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Unlock Democracy
Unlock Democracy: "The Bill to abolish the remaining hereditary peers in the Lords was published 441 days ago and STILL hasn't passed."
"All this time wasted on a Bill that’s just tinkering around the edges.
"What we need is major reform of the Lords to make it democratic and accountable."
"All this time wasted on a Bill that’s just tinkering around the edges.
"What we need is major reform of the Lords to make it democratic and accountable."
November 20, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Unlock Democracy: "The Bill to abolish the remaining hereditary peers in the Lords was published 441 days ago and STILL hasn't passed."
"All this time wasted on a Bill that’s just tinkering around the edges.
"What we need is major reform of the Lords to make it democratic and accountable."
"All this time wasted on a Bill that’s just tinkering around the edges.
"What we need is major reform of the Lords to make it democratic and accountable."
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/p/a-crucial-...
Please support us by backing our Crowdfunder today.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
November 20, 2025 at 9:53 AM
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/p/a-crucial-...
Please support us by backing our Crowdfunder today.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-...
The Devolution Bill claims to be about ‘empowering communities’ - but it “does nothing of the sort.”
David Blunkett is right: the Bill will shift power away from local communities and hand it to new mega-councils.
Centralisation dressed up as empowerment is still centralisation.
David Blunkett is right: the Bill will shift power away from local communities and hand it to new mega-councils.
Centralisation dressed up as empowerment is still centralisation.
November 17, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The Devolution Bill claims to be about ‘empowering communities’ - but it “does nothing of the sort.”
David Blunkett is right: the Bill will shift power away from local communities and hand it to new mega-councils.
Centralisation dressed up as empowerment is still centralisation.
David Blunkett is right: the Bill will shift power away from local communities and hand it to new mega-councils.
Centralisation dressed up as empowerment is still centralisation.
The US shows how quickly democracy can unravel when leaders ignore the rules.
The UK now faces its own risk: Project 2029.
New opaque think tanks, threats to rights, and pressure on institutions are warning signs.
We need action now to protect our democracy.
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/proj...
The UK now faces its own risk: Project 2029.
New opaque think tanks, threats to rights, and pressure on institutions are warning signs.
We need action now to protect our democracy.
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/proj...
Project 2029 poses a real threat to our democracy: We must act
The UK is waking up to the reality that the UK is also vulnerable to the equivalent of the US’s Project 2025
leftfootforward.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:53 PM
The US shows how quickly democracy can unravel when leaders ignore the rules.
The UK now faces its own risk: Project 2029.
New opaque think tanks, threats to rights, and pressure on institutions are warning signs.
We need action now to protect our democracy.
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/proj...
The UK now faces its own risk: Project 2029.
New opaque think tanks, threats to rights, and pressure on institutions are warning signs.
We need action now to protect our democracy.
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/proj...
Starmer rubber stamping the apppointment of the football regulator is probably a storm in a teacup. But the issue is one of perception.
As a significant Labour donor, Kogan's appointment only fuels public concern that money buys access and influence in politics.
news.sky.com/story/sir-ke...
As a significant Labour donor, Kogan's appointment only fuels public concern that money buys access and influence in politics.
news.sky.com/story/sir-ke...
Sir Keir Starmer expresses 'sincere regret' over appointment of Labour donor to chair football regulator
The prime minister had recused himself from decisions related to the appointment of a chair for the new regulator because of his interest in football, and football-related hospitality he had received.
news.sky.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Starmer rubber stamping the apppointment of the football regulator is probably a storm in a teacup. But the issue is one of perception.
As a significant Labour donor, Kogan's appointment only fuels public concern that money buys access and influence in politics.
news.sky.com/story/sir-ke...
As a significant Labour donor, Kogan's appointment only fuels public concern that money buys access and influence in politics.
news.sky.com/story/sir-ke...
We’ve been blown away by the response to our Crowdfunder.
A big THANK YOU to everyone who has generously donated. You make our work possible.
We’re now within reach of our target! Please can you help us smash it THIS WEEK?
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-moment
A big THANK YOU to everyone who has generously donated. You make our work possible.
We’re now within reach of our target! Please can you help us smash it THIS WEEK?
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-moment
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 12, 2025 at 11:02 AM
We’ve been blown away by the response to our Crowdfunder.
A big THANK YOU to everyone who has generously donated. You make our work possible.
We’re now within reach of our target! Please can you help us smash it THIS WEEK?
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-moment
A big THANK YOU to everyone who has generously donated. You make our work possible.
We’re now within reach of our target! Please can you help us smash it THIS WEEK?
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-crucial-moment
Reposted by Unlock Democracy
"Lord Bamford's latest political donation makes the point, yet again, that we need a cap on donations," says @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/bill...
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/bill...
Billionaire Tory donor and JCB chair Lord Bamford gives Reform UK £200,000
"Lord Bamford's latest political donation makes the point, yet again, that we need a cap on donations."
leftfootforward.org
November 11, 2025 at 10:33 AM
"Lord Bamford's latest political donation makes the point, yet again, that we need a cap on donations," says @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/bill...
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/bill...
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...