Dear John,

We’re just over two weeks out from the UK’s next general election, and every party standing across the nation has now unveiled their manifesto (the SNP’s platform is expected tomorrow).

Given the serious challenges facing the UK, now is a time to consider not just the next 16 days, but the next five years and beyond. We’ve seen a few parties acknowledge the country’s serious democratic deficit, and make some tentative plans to address it. But we can’t get complacent. We’re going to need to push the next government hard.

Our democracy mini-manifesto is going to be our guiding document for that push, not only at the election but well into the tenure of the next (likely Labour) government. It’s a streamlined blueprint to a fairer political system, a guide to addressing the core challenges which are preventing democracy from working at its full potential.

That’s our platform for democracy, but our supporters are the real vehicle for change. Now a quarter of a million strong, we’ll use our collective grassroots power to demand the political reform this country needs.

Instead of relying on large injections of cash from wealthy individuals - which almost always come with strings - we’ve built a people-powered movement based on regular, small donations (the average is just under £20) from loyal supporters like you who share our objectives and values. That’s a really strong position to be in.

Everything is going to change after July 4th, but our work is nowhere near complete. As the far-right surges and Labour struggles to wake up to the reality of our democratic decline, we at Open Britain – with you behind us - will have to be democracy’s xxxxxx.

We don’t want to live in a country ruled by out-of-touch politicians, a place where dirty money and corrupt ties buy more political influence than ordinary people’s votes. And we know you don’t either.

This coming five year period offers a chance for those of us who believe in democracy to steer Britain onto a fairer and kinder course, to build a decent, flourishing country that we can be proud of. It all starts with five simple goals.

All the best,

Mark Kieran

CEO, Open Britain

This button is a convenient way to support our work for those in a position to do so, but it carries no obligation or expectation of a donation. Our movement is proudly open to everyone who shares our values, regardless of means, and participation will never be conditional on making a financial contribution.