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John --
This week the government published the Elections
Bill
Being frank, this is an attack and afront on our
democracy.
The introduction of voter ID is the
headline-grabbing element of the Bill and is indeed very worrying. But
it is only a small part of this attempted power grab.
This Bill if passed will fundamentally change the way the
UK conducts elections and seriously threatens to limit democratic
participation.
It would shut out and silence
diverse voices from expressing views on parties and candidates at
elections. It would make it difficult to run tactical voting
campaigns. And organisations like Best for Britain, trade unions and
charities will see the rules stacked against them.
We have seen similar partisan power
grabs with electoral legislation in the US and it is part of a
worrying trend around the world.
The Elections Bill, when placed alongside the Policing Bill that
bans 'noisy' protests and the new extreme Borders Bill that
criminalises seeking asylum in the UK - possibly breaking
international law in the process, highlights what we're facing.
This Government is seeking to limit freedom of speech,
limit the voices that can be heard in our elections and national
debate and limit freedom and compassion of all kinds.
It is clear with the publishing of
this Bill, that we need every party in the House of Commons to work
together to defeat this bill.
That is why we need
YOUR support.
Earlier this year we launched the
‘Fight the Bill Fund’ with all funds raised supporting the campaign
against the government's regressive policies. So far we have raised
over £28,000. And we thank all those who have given so far.
However,
we still need to raise another £7,000 by the end of July to meet our
target.
I won't lie to you, we need all the support possible to fight this
Bill. This will be a David VS Goliath fight. Will you support us to
fight the Elections Bill?
Defeating this Bill will not be easy. The
government has a large majority and we need all those in and out of
parliament to start working together if we have any hope of
winning.
However, we know that this is the right fight to be in because
our democracy is worth fighting for.
If you are sick, tired, and
downright angry about this regressive government’s policies. Then it
is time to stand up, join
the fight and support Best for Britain as we take the fight to the
government.
I hope you will join me in the
fight to save our democracy.
Best wishes,
Naomi Smith
CEO, Best for Britain
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