Demand Democracy is a movement seeking to mobilise all peoples in the UK in support of democracy, equality and justice. We call for a new and written constitution that enshrines the rights and values of the people.
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There is a crisis
Inequality and injustice are entrenched in our politics, economy and society. This is neither new or an accident. This is the result of choices made by the rich and powerful over centuries. Our ancient political system puts too much power in the hands of too few people. This power imbalance is built into the UK’s uncodified constitution; an informal collection of conventions, common law and acts of parliament. This system asks that the ruling elite stick to the rules out of the goodness of their hearts, but does little to hold them to account when they misuse that power.
We need a new political system
The political elite has created this crisis by maintaining - directly and indirectly, by inaction no less than action - the current political system. Instead of delivering the solutions we need for the emergencies of austerity and climate change, this system offers us ‘business as usual’. Those with power have no incentive to change the system because they benefit from the status quo, and so reform of the system only ever tinkers at the edges while leaving a systemic power imbalance between the people and the state in place. We must embrace traditions of dissent and civil disobedience to build a real democracy.
It is time to demand democracy
A democratic political system protects the rights and freedom of the people, and upholds justice and equality for all. A democratic society is one which serves people and planet, above all else. Governments have on occasion brought about radical change - through the creation of public institutions such as the NHS - but hard fought for social and economic rights are always at risk. Those with power have been either unable or unwilling to create a democratic society based on justice and equality for all. Rights have always been won by the public standing up and demanding them. Everyone who seeks a society based on equality and justice must now come together to demand democracy. Together, we must take the bold actions needed to bring about a new constitution that holds power to account and enshrines the rights and values of the people.
