Today’s Stormont Vote Shows Why We Need Democratic Reform

Dear John,

Today, as MLAs in Stormont vote on the Windsor Framework's trading arrangements, we're reminded of a crucial truth: the quality of our democracy determines the quality of our political decisions.

Eight years ago, Open Britain and many others campaigning to remain in the EU warned that leaving would create unprecedented challenges for Northern Ireland. Today's vote – where MLAs must choose between maintaining complex post-Brexit arrangements or risking economic disruption – proves just how prescient those warnings were.

But this isn't just about Brexit anymore. Today’s framework vote demonstrates the lingering consequences of poor political decisions and highlights the need to address the deeper problems with British democracy:
* A voting system that produces parliaments that don't reflect the genuine will of the people
* Dark money's growing influence in our politics
* Weak safeguards against disinformation during crucial national votes

These aren't just abstract concerns. The distortions they create in our democracy directly affect people's lives and can do so for years to come.

This democratic deficit matters because it will shape every major decision we will ever make – from our future relationship with Europe to how we tackle climate change, from economic reform to the future of the Union.

That's why Open Britain's mission has evolved.

Our experience campaigning against Brexit revealed deep dysfunction in our democracy - not least how dark money influences politics, and how disinformation flows through public debate.

These are the fundamental challenges we now focus on addressing. Working with partners across the political spectrum, we're campaigning for:
* A fair voting system where every vote counts equally
* Stronger regulation of political donations
* Better safeguards against disinformation

Today's vote in Stormont is a reminder of what's at stake. If we want to be able to make political decisions that move our country forward and avoid ones that leave us stuck in quicksand, we need to build a functional democracy that delivers for everyone. And the sooner we do that, the better it will be for all of us.

All the best,

The Open Britain Team
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