- Statement from Politics for the Many for immediate release, 26th February 2018.
Trade unionists seeking ‘root and branch reform’ of British politics have joined forces in a bid to bring about democratic change.
‘Politics for the Many’ will campaign for measures including an elected House of Lords, a fair voting system where seats match votes, and extending the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds across all elections.
The group will also seek an overhaul of electoral registration, to ensure more people are signed up to vote, and redrawn constituency boundaries based on all eligible voters.
Nancy Platts, Politics for the Many coordinator and former trade union advisor to Jeremy Corbyn, said:
“Trade unions have been at the forefront of demands for political reform dating back to the Chartists’ fight for universal suffrage.
“In 2018 there is still plenty of work to be done to enhance democracy – and Politics for the Many will once again see working people leading the charge.
“The current system is desperately broken. Westminster’s voting system has allowed governments to form with very little popular support. It serves the old boys’ network while workers’ interests are trampled on. The polarisation and swings we see mean any gains Labour make are often swiftly undone by the next right-wing government.
“Our 16 and 17-year-olds are denied a voice, while millions of eligible voters are not registered.
“And as people struggle to earn a decent living, nearly 800 unelected peers in the House of Lords treat our Parliament as a private members’ club.
“It is now time for a Politics for the Many. We need a democracy fit for the 21st century, and an end to the political injustice that breeds alienation and only aids the right.”
Politics for the Many has support from senior figures from the UK’s leading trade unions, including Howard Beckett, Assistant General Secretary at Unite, as well as former senior advisors to Jeremy Corbyn.
Organisers are urging others to add their weight to the campaign on the Politics for the Many website while joining its dedicated Facebook page here.
The following list of individuals are supporting Politics For The Many:
Nancy Platts – Politics for the Many Campaign Co-ordinator and former trade union advisor to Jeremy Corbyn
Mark Serwotka – General Secretary, PCS
Howard Beckett – Assistant General Secretary Unite (in a personal capacity)
Billy Hayes – Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform
Ian Hodson – President, BFAWU
Sam Tarry – Political Officer TSSA and President of CLASS
Mike Kirby – Scottish Secretary, Unison
ENDS