Our Objectives
The objectives of the Democracy Plus Campaign can be surmised as follows: Electoral Reform + Human Rights.
We want to make Britain a fairer more representative democracy which protects the rights of its citizens above all else.
- More representative elections
- Greater electoral choice
- An end to negative campaigning
- An elected House of Lords
- A constitutional bill of rights
1. More representative elections
Our Existing first-past-the-post electoral system is perverse. The current British Government was elected with just 35% of the popular vote yet rules with a 55% parliamentary majority. We seek major Electoral Reform and the introduction of Proportional Representation in all British Parliamentary and Local Elections.
2. Greater Electoral Choice
There is no way the philosophies of 2 or 3 major political parties can adequately represent the entire spectrum of British public opinion. Therefore, we want to see a greater role for smaller political parties in parliament, and we believe some form of proportional representation is the best way to achieve this.
3. An end to negative campaigning
The current electoral system encourages a partisan approach to politics and political campaigns. We believe this adds to voter disaffection and would like to see it end.
One of the consequences of Proportional Representation, would be more minority or coalition governments, this would force compromise and encourage a more co-operative cross-party approach to policy-making. It would in-turn cut negative campaigning as politicians would be less inclined to burn bridges with potential allies.
4. An Elected House of Lords
Whilst the current House of Lords does an excellent job reviewing legislation from the House of Commons, because its members are appointed or hereditary, it lacks the democratic legitimacy to challenge the government of the day on major issues which are in the national interest. This often results in the House of Lords being forced to relent and withdraw quite reasonable amendments or risk the Government using the Parliament Act to force the legislation through. For example: The ID Cards Bill.
An elected House of Lords would not only give it the electoral legitimacy it so badly needs but also prevent abuse of the parliamentary system such as the cash for peerages row.
5. A Constitutional Bill of Rights
Without provision for basic human rights, individuals in any democratic system can fall victim to the “tyranny of the majority”. Look at religious states like Iran (which is actually a democracy.)
These basic rights would include the rights to:
- Freedom of thought and belief
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Freedom of expression & the right to peaceful protest
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Equality regardless of gender, race or sexuality
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A ban on torture and the death penalty
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No detention without charge
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The right to a fair trial.
The Human Rights Act goes a long way towards protecting these freedoms, but it no greater standing than any other piece of legislation on the statute books and can be repealed at any time. Recent tabloid frenzies have whipped up public misconceptions about the Human Rights Act and it is now under threat.
The only way to protect human rights from such popularist frenzies is to enshrine it in a constitution, much like the US Bill of Rights. Even George W Bush wouldn't dream of messing with the US constitution. However, both Tony Blair and David Cameron are quite willing to mess with the Human Rights Act.
