A public meeting will be held at the Astor Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, on Monday 3 October 2022. It is organised by Kent Deserves Democracy, a new cross-party team of campaigners for fair proportional voting and cleaner, more accountable government. The new team has links with the national campaign groups Make Votes Matter and Get PR Done, and its campaign work will focus on East Kent.
A new cross-party campaign group in East Kent
for fair proportional voting (PR)
All are welcome to attend. Doors will open at 6.30 and the Astor’s friendly bar will be open. The public can look forward from the start at 7pm to hearing three guest speakers with national reputations, who are: the well-known broadcaster and writer Gavin Esler, Neal Lawson of Compass and Tom Brake of Unlock Democracy. The meeting is free; a collection will be taken to cover the expenses of setting up the meeting.
“In 2022 there is more interest in electoral reform than ever before. This month the British Social attitudes survey showed that 51% of Britons want a switch to proportional representation, while only 44% want to keep the current system. Again, an Opinium poll conducted in August 2022 showed 56% felt badly served by the UK’s political system and wanted change. Is this because folk feel they need to call political leaders to account more effectively in these tough times ? I think so.” said Sarah Waite-Gleave .
What people are saying about democracy
“Ed Davey has said that ‘it is shameful that UK continues to use the antiquated First Past The Post (FPTP) system and I heartily agree.” said Rick Blackwell.
Sam Brookfield said, “Younger folk are very aware we could have fairer voting and keep the MP-constituency link, if only we can vote in a new, fair-minded government who will introduce electoral reform”.
“PR is urgently needed to restore the balance. Too many political leaders pay too much attention to corporate lobbies and political donors these days.” said Gerry Bearman, who will chair the meeting.
“I agree with John McDonnell that if we want properly funded public services, a democratised economy or fair trade union laws, we need proportional voting”, said Pam Brivio.
Miriam Wood said “I’ve believed for a long time that a form of proportional representation is the only way for votes to be equal. After the last few years of appalling government, it’s high time we Brits changed our system.”
Readers can find out more about the new group on Facebook at Kent Deserves Democracy; on twitter @KentDemocracy and on Instagram kentdeservesdemocracy. To book a seat at the public meeting use this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kent-deserves-democracy-ek-launch-fairer-voting-cleaner-govt-campaign-tickets-399570866217
