It has been a hugely rewarding experience to help this APPG grow from nothing to the national force it is today.
The growth of interest in the APPG’s work underscores just how vital the national conversation about our democracy has become. More and more people are starting to see how our dysfunctional democracy gets in the way of fixing everything else that’s wrong with the country: how can we fix anything if we don’t have a proper forum for democratic debate?
Last week’s local elections caused the proverbial penny to drop for many. They showed that First Past the Post just doesn’t work when the electorate refuses to be cajoled into voting for one of the two main parties. The only people served by FPTP’s dysfunction last week were Reform UK - and you don’t need me to tell you what happens if that is repeated at the 2029 general election.
And it’s not just the dangers of First Past the Post that people are waking up to. The same goes for dark money and disinformation too. People are fed up with big money buying political influence, and digital platforms spreading extremist views and conspiracy theories.
We need a system that holds all political parties accountable to the basic principles of democracy, and that forces Farage to fight fair.
Building the biggest APPG in Parliament is undoubtedly a huge achievement. But what really matters is that we now use its size and influence to deliver a democracy that works for everyone.
To that end, I’m pleased to tell you that in the coming months, we’ll be redoubling our efforts to ensure that the energy and influence we have created INSIDE Parliament is matched by an energetic and influential mass movement OUTSIDE Parliament. It is only by taking this two-pronged approach that we will be able to make the government see sense.
The country is crying out for something better. Everyone at Open Britain is fizzing with excitement about what this campaign can achieve now…I hope you are too! We know it won’t be easy. But then, nothing worthwhile ever is.
Here’s to the next - and perhaps most critical - leg of our journey.
All the very best,
Mark Kieran
CEO, Open Britain
