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UK Democracy Bulletin, 21st October 2022

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Fortnightly news, jobs, grants and gossip from the democracy sector, brought to you by James Moulding, Max Roche and Louise Dunmore. The UK Democracy Bulletin is a joint project of The Centre for Democracy and UK Democracy Network. Read by 400+ democracy organisations. We read everyone’s newsletters & research so you don’t have to. If you want us to cover yours, let us know: hello@centrefordemocracy.org.uk

Highlights

  • Liz Truss resigns, triggers new Tory leadership race
  • Democracy Network Conference 7–8 December, London
  • UK constitutional settlement under increasing strain reports Constitution Monitoring Group
  • Public Order Bill passes House of Commons third reading

In case you missed it…

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Thanks to our contributors

Thanks to everyone who joined us last week for our Democracy Meetup. This week we were joined by Rosa Slater — The Politics Project, Penny Lamb — VotesforSchools, Diane Sims — Kirklees Council, Liz Crosbie — RebootGB, Katy Murray — Cast From Clay, Jessie Joe Jacobs — UK Democracy Network, Pilar Girvan — Involve, Myf Nixon — mySociety and Peter Gregory — Constituency Panels.

Upcoming Legislation

Public Order Bill passes third reading in the House of Commons

The Bill has faced strong backlash from civil liberties groups, including from Tory MP Charles Walker who labelled the Bill ‘unconservative’ earlier this week. The Public Order Bill reintroduces earlier elements of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act that had been removed by the House of Lords, such as Serious Disruption Prevention Orders — which allow police to require any individual who has taken part in a protest within the last five years to wear an electronic tag and report to a police station on a regular basis — for two years — including barring those persons from entering particular areas, or using the internet to encourage other people to protest — persons breaking these terms face up to 51 weeks in prison.

Online Safety Bill: will they, won’t they?

Fair Vote and the coalition of organisations working around the Online Safety Bill continue to be on tenterhooks over the Bill’s passage, next week’s leadership election and a potential general election look to mar the Bill’s final nod.

Economic Crimes Bill: democracy orgs working on amendments

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill seeks to tackle money laundering and other economic crimes, including seizure of cryptoassets and abuse of limited partnerships. Fair Vote UK are working on amendments that would seek to deal with funnelling money through trusts, foundations and offshore accounts into political party coffers. Stay tuned for more on this!

New clause in Levelling Up Bill affording community right of appeal draws cross-party support

A clause in The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill affording a right of appeal for local communities against any new planning permissions has been met with approval by Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs. Lib Dem MP, Tim Farron, commented, “The ability to challenge a developer and a decision seems to be at the heart of democracy. To really level up, we must not just level up geographically, but level out the imbalance of power between developers…and local communities.”

Democracy Sector

Save the date: Democracy Network Annual Conference, 7–8th December, London

Democracy Network’s first annual conference is coming to London on the 7th and 8th December — register now, limited tickets available.

Democracy Network head to Berlin for Democracy R&D Conference

Earlier this month Democracy Network Coordinator Jessie Joe Jacobs attended the Democracy R&D Conference in Berlin. Democracy R&D is a global network supporting and improving democratic outcomes. Jessie reports that the event showcased a wide variety of democracy practitioners from the Berlin government leading citizens assemblies, to small community based initiatives from across Europe. According to Jessie, there was a lot of awareness about the UK Democracy Network and a genuine desire to see the network and collaboration format replicated across Europe.

The Politics Project launching research on supporting politicians to engage with schools

On November 30th, The Politics Project are running their event Starting Powerful Conversations, launching their latest research into youth engagement with politicians based on more than 400 Dialogue sessions, bringing together young people and politicians from all levels of government across the UK. Don’t miss it — register now.

Progressing Constituency Panels

Peter Gregory has made considerable progress in recent weeks with their Constituency Panels (CPs) concept. CPs are non-partisan panels designed to improve accountability and transparency between MPs and their constituents. Peter is currently penning a number of questions for a Survation Omnibus to determine public interest in the idea. Would you like to know more?

Notwestminster planning their next gathering

Whilst the Notwestminster event is still in the planning stages with no date as yet, they’ll be on the lookout for people who are interested in hosting workshops about local democracy soon — they’re also considering an online gathering this autumn.

Citizen Network: new report, new democratic governance structure

You’ll have to stay tuned for more information on Citizen Network Coop, their new governance structure launching October 24th. In the meantime, Citizen Network are promoting a new report by Common Ground on democratic reforms showcasing some fantastic polling on a range of democratic transformations — check it out now.

Festival of Debate — submissions open

Next year’s Sheffield based Festival of Debate will run from 12th April to the 26th May, with one of their three core topics for the event series being ‘how can we reimagine our citizenship and our democracy?’ Submit your ideas now for consideration for the 2023 programme.

mySociety needs you

WhatDoTheyKnow enables thousands of organisations and individuals across the UK to seamlessly send Freedom of Information requests to more than 45,000 public authorities. However, sometimes these council contact emails need to be kept up to date. Myf Nixon, Comms Manager at mySociety, has shared a list of authorities with a missing email address and they need some help with finding them all. Can you help?

Involve run Citizens’ Jury on Car Dependency in Northern Ireland, launch new report on housing

Earlier this month, Involve ran a weekend long citizens’ jury on car dependency. Commissioned by Queen’s University of Belfast, the event brought together 20 residents of Belfast where they heard evidence on car dependency and its impacts. The full report is out in November. See more about the NI citizens’ jury here. Next Wednesday 26th October, Involve are also launching a new report on housing in NI, produced in partnership with Housing Rights — register here.

First UK-wide citizens assembly for nature to start next month following Government ‘attack on nature’

The idea for the assembly was developed by RSPB, WWF and the National Trust in response to the current government’s recently announced ‘pro-growth agenda’ which could see large swathes of environmental protections scrapped. The assembly will be facilitated in partnership with Involve, 89up, New Citizenship Project and Sortition Foundation and will run between November 2022 and February 2023, providing the opportunity for 100 citizens to have their say on how best to respond to the ecological crisis forming the basis of a set of ecological policy recommendations for the next government.

ElectHer are running a three-part programme to help women kickstart their political career

The three-part series My Political Future, will explore key questions of what motivates women to be engaged politically. All women are invited to attend this free series, including non-binary people whose experiences or identities intersect with those of women.

Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform Annual Meeting on November 1st

Speaking after the formal AGM will be Wendy Chamberlain MP, Liberal Democracts for Electoral Reform President and Lib Dem House of Commons Chief Whip; and Christine Jardine MP, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson, who will discuss the current prospects for electoral reform. All are welcome to register for the event to hear about the work of LDER and discuss future avenues for electoral reform.

Constitution Unit webinar to discuss constitutional change under the new monarch

On October 26th Constitution Unit will host a webinar to discuss the constitutional changes that will occur with the coronation of King Charles II and the implications for the Commonwealth now that several countries have announced their intention to become republics. The webinar is free to attend and there will be a number of expert speakers to debate the upcoming constitutional developments.

The3million are looking for a new Head of Policy and Advocacy

The new Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the Policy and Advocacy team at the3million, producing rigorous evidence-based research, writing policy development papers and designing and implementing a compelling advocacy strategy. Deadline for applications is November 6th.

I Have a Voice are looking for a Voter Registration Ambassador

A great opportunity for someone in further education (sixth form of college) to gain paid experience in the democracy sector. The position is paid at London Living Wage — Get in touch with I Have a Voice for more details.

Scottish Greens to cut ties with Green Party of England and Wales over reported shortcomings on transphobia

Members of the Scottish Greens have voted to suspend their formal association with the Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW) due to their failure to tackle transphobia within the party. The vote comes following heavy criticism of a number of high profile figures who stand accused of making transphobic comments and actions. Despite deputy leader Zack Polanski’s powerful defence of trans rights at the Scottish Greens’ national conference, the speech was not enough to allay the party’s concerns who subsequently voted with a significant majority to sever ties with GPEW.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy are hiring a Programmes Manager (Political Parties)

Westminster Foundation for Democracy are looking for an experienced Programme Manager to support the work of the Multi-Party Office team. The Programme Manager will lead on managing; programme systems and processes, quality assurance. Apply by November 1st.

Chartered Institute of Public Relations explores impact of technology on UK politics

The way we hold elections, implement government policy, and campaign on topics is changing as a result of technology, they argue. Coinciding with their AGM, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations is hosting an event discussing how digitalisation may continue to alter politics and public relations in the years to come.

Democratic Reform

Sortition Foundation full steam ahead on their House of Lords campaign

Sortition Foundation happily reports that they’ve gone from dwindling finances to a full calendar of sortition selection work. Will, who led their Scottish House of Citizens’ campaign spent his final days with Sortition at the Scottish Greens’ annual conference talking up their democratic renewal motion which included a commitment to the House of Citizens! Sortition Foundation have been taking soundings on the House of Lords campaign with their press contacts and they are apparently ‘pretty hot for it’ — particularly the ‘frankly disgusting’ stories their researchers have uncovered about the House of Lords.

Landmark case on Scottish independence held in UK Supreme Court

A court case to decide whether the Scottish Government has the formal authority to hold an independence referendum has been unfolding in the UK Supreme Court. A senior lawyer acting for the UK government, Sir James Eadie KC, argued the attempt by Scottish ministers to secure approval for the independence referendum was unfounded as ‘the impacts and effects of Scottish independence would be felt throughout the UK’, meaning all parts of the UK, not just Scotland have a stake in the issue. Dorothy Bain, Scotland’s top lawyer, countered these statements with the claim that the SNP has won successive Scottish and UK elections on manifesto pledges to pursue independence.

Electoral Reform Society expects initial Gordon Brown Commission findings soon

Last month’s leaked report outlined a series of high profile constitutional departures, including abolition of the House of Lords and devolution of economic powers. Jess Garland and the team at the Electoral Reform Society expect the full findings to be released soon. Democracy Network, Citizen Network, ERS and others are poised to react to the new report.

Integrity & Transparency

Tory leadership race, Prime Minister Liz Truss resigns amid growing tensions within the Conservative Party

Truss resigned as Prime Minister after just 44 days in the job, triggering yet another Conservative Party leadership race. The new leadership race is due to be completed at an expedited pace by Friday 28th October, ahead of the Autumn Budget the following Monday.

UK constitution is under increasing strain, warns Constitution Monitoring Group UK

A new report from the UK Constitution Monitoring Group covering the first seven months of 2022 identifies 90 instances in which the constitution has been eroded and degraded. The report details a host of instances in which ministers and civil servants failed to uphold standard principles of conduct and outlines a series of ill-considered legislation and attacks on the independence of the judiciary. The report calls for greater integrity amongst policy makers and across public life to create a healthier democracy.

Labour MP Sam Tarry lambasts local deselection vote as a ‘manufactured circus’

Sam Tarry, Labour MP for Ilford South, has publicly criticised his deselection vote, calling it a ‘manufactured circus’ and demanding to see a list of votes to ensure the ‘integrity’ of the result. Tarry, who lost his position to local council leader Jas Athwal, said the result ‘does not reflect the feeling my campaigners met on the ground talking day in day out to members’. Tarry has suggested whether this was an orchestrated move by the party leadership to remove dissenting voices within the party.

14% of all LLPs ever incorporated may have been used for financial crime, says Transparency International

New research from Transparency International UK suggests that 14% of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) incorporated in Britain bear the hallmarks of shell companies that have been involved in major corruption and money laundering schemes. Much of the abuse has been linked to Russian individuals with significant personal control, underlining concerns about the flow of Russian ‘dirty money’ in the UK economy. Director of Policy at Transparency International UK, Duncan Hames, is calling for the expedition of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (detailed above) to help tackle the issue.

Elections

Opposition parties call for immediate general election

Labour, Liberal Democrats, the SNP and the Green Party have all now called for an immediate general election, following the continued political and economic turbulence in recent weeks culminating (at least for now) in the resignation of PM Truss.

General Election Strategy Planning Day with The Politics Project

Are you working with youth or education organisations? The Politics Project is hosting a general election strategy planning day with the Democracy Fund this January. If you’re interested, let Hattie know.

Devolved Democracy & Local Government

Kirklees celebrates Local Democracy Week

Diane Sims and the team at Kirklees Democracy Commission are celebrating Local Democracy Week and giving out their first Democracy Friendly Schools awards this week. See what else has been happening on this Twitter thread.

Jaime, 16, takes over as First Minister of Wales for a day as part of Day of the Girl

Teenager Jaime spent the day as Wales’ First Minister as part of International Day Of The Girl. Jaime opened a press conference, visited the Senedd chamber and spent the day behind the scenes getting to know more about the inner workings of the Welsh Government.

Green MP criticises Government’s Investment Zone policy for bypassing local democracy

Caroline Lucas launched an attack in parliament on the Government’s Investment Zone plan for undermining environmental legislation, avoiding fair taxation policies and bypassing local democracy. The controversial new policy, modelled on Rishi Sunak’s freeport scheme, will see councils and combined authorities set up Investment Zones in which planning regulations are relaxed and business taxes reduced in an attempt to drive growth.

Demos polling highlights need for locally-led levelling up

With a new Prime Minister and a new politico-economic agenda in Britain, Demos teamed up with KPMG to poll the public on their thoughts towards the levelling up agenda and other flagship Conservative policies. Amongst their findings, it was clear that levelling up needs to be locally led with 71% saying local communities need a say in regional decisions. Meanwhile, just 16% thought the government understood local needs and 50% said they were unsatisfied with the amount of involvement currently offered to communities in policymaking.

Democracy & Media

Public Interest News Foundation run meetup for indie news publishers

PINF’s meetup in Leeds last weekend generated a number of new working groups formed by indie news publishers, including groups that will look at: networking between them, better measuring (and showing) impact, and a campaign for better public awareness of independent news — as well as continued thinking on community newsrooms. Good stuff! Would you like to know more?

Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg accuses BBC of impartiality breach

During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Business Secretary claimed impartiality rules were breached by the BBC presenter suggesting market turmoil is linked to the mini-budget.

Legal proceedings issued against UK media outlets by Khazakstani Endowment Fund

openDemocracy and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism are facing legal proceedings following an investigation into the financial ties of the Nazarbayev Fund, an endowment fund associated with the former Khazakstani Prime Minister Nursultan Nazarbayev, and Jusan Technologies Ltd, a UK registered company. According to their reporting, the Nazarbayev Fund held a controlling interest in the UK company via an intermediary, raising concerns as to why a UK company held Khazakstani wealth. In light of the legal action, a number of media organisations are calling on the UK government to expedite the anti-SLAPP legislation to protect public interest reporters and their publishers from financial and legal intimidation.

Investigative journalist role opens at public interest news co-op in Bristol

The Bristol Cable, a co-operative news platform democratically owned by local people in Bristol, is recruiting an investigative journalist. Suitable for anyone keen to work in a community newsroom on more in-depth articles covering local issues — find out more and get an application in before October 31st.

Funding Democracy

Naked Politics secure £25k in funding from JRSST-CT

Naked Politics are due to be awarded just over £25k for the next year to maintain their online content and run workshops and training sessions in schools with predominantly young people of colour, on citizenship and civic action. Find out more about JRSST-CT and how you can apply for a grant.

Impetus secures £500,000 funding

Impetus, a non-profit organisation supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to thrive in life, has successfully secured a three-year, unrestricted grant of £500,000 from the Inflexion Foundation. This will support Impetus in their crucial work closing employment and education disparities.

mySociety are providing three £5k grants to innovators and councils for new climate projects

To be eligible to bid for one of the grants, you must either be a council that wants to trial an idea, or an organisation that wants to work with a council to trial your project. Find out more about the climate partnership grants.

Power to Change offer funding community technology grants

Power to Change is a group that helps community-based enterprises create technology which delivers advantages locally, that can be held accountable by the community, and completely satisfies its users’ requirements. If your organisation makes and uses technology that benefits and gives power to your community, applications for their two-year funding programme, Community Tech: Makers & Maintainers, are open until 4th November.

And Finally…

Durham University event unearths the violent origins of English electoral democracy

Professors running a research project at Durham University on the causes and consequences of English electoral violence are hosting a talk introducing you to the dark side of electoral politics. Join them on the 24th of October to explore the first systematic database of violent events during all 20 general elections between 1832 and 1914 in England and Wales.

University of Geneva roundtable on democratic theory

Anticipated to be an engaging and comprehensive conversation with leading academics in the area about topics such as democratic theory, democratic models, and threats to democratic systems — the roundtable will be held at 3.15pm on Zoom, UK time — register here.

The Centre for Democracy maintains a full database of events from across the democracy sector.

View the database here — Have we missed something? Add it here!

Active Job Listings across the Democracy Sector

View the full database of upcoming job listings here — have we missed any? Add them via this form.

Apply ASAP

  • Apply by 24 Oct: News Editor at openDemocracy (£43–48,000)

Jobs with upcoming deadlines

Unsalaried job listings #ShowTheSalary

We’ve been experimenting with the format of this email and the accompanying meetup, if you have any feedback we’d be glad to hear it.

If you can’t make our weekly meetup, you can always drop in to the meetup document of the current fortnight and add to it by going to democracymeetup.org.uk.

See you next time, add to your calendar

James, Max, Louise and the UK Democracy Bulletin team