Dear John
It’s been a turbulent 24 hours for democracy. So what can
you do about it?
This week, we’ve seen the Policing
Bill and the Elections Bill progressing through parliament. Each bill
includes manipulative and anti-democratic changes to the law. It’s
scary stuff - and we need your help. Read on to find out
how:
Good News:
Last night, after weeks of working
with peers from across the House of Lords to table an amendment to the
Policing Bill - one that would prevent the bill from banning in its
entirety the act of protest in Parliament Square - we
defeated the government.
Thanks to the dedication of Lords across the House and to the sheer
perseverance of our supporters, we saw the amendment to save protests
in parliament square pass. It’s a small victory - and the changes to
the bill will still need to be debated back in the Commons - but it
shows that every email you write to MPs and Peers, and every penny you
donate to fund our public campaigning, really matters. Thank you to
every one of you who wrote to their local newspaper, lobbied a Lord,
and shared it all on social media.
Bad News:
But this isn’t the only bill. Last
night, the Elections Bill - which makes Voter ID a requirement, forces
local elections to abandon proportional voting systems, and could stop
charities and civil society organisations taking part in politics -
sailed through the Commons.
What do we do now?
As the Elections Bill reaches the
Lords, we aim to do exactly what we did last night with the Policing
Bill; that means campaigning hard to get cross-party Peers to back
amendments that remove the most damaging parts of the legislation. But
to do that, we
need to raise funds now to make it happen.
Every penny raised from this
crowdfunder goes towards coordinating letter writing campaigns,
organising events and meetings, lobbying parliamentarians, and
behind-the-scenes work with other groups and marginalised communities.
That work starts now, but only if we can fund it. Can
you help?
Our plans to defeat this
legislation are ambitious - this government has a large majority and
isn’t afraid to use it. But last night proves that we don’t have to
let the government have an easy ride - and we can still try to stop
the most damaging proposals making it into law - but only with
your support.
Thank you for everything that
you’ve done so far. And in advance for any donations that you can give
towards this vital work.
Best wishes,
Naomi Smith
CEO - Best for Britain
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