John,

I hope this message finds you well. As we continue our efforts to defend, strengthen, and renew UK democracy, I wanted to share some important findings from a report published today that underscores the urgency of our mission.

The National Centre for Social Research’s latest report ([link removed]) , “Damaged Politics? The impact of the 2019-24 Parliament on political trust and confidence,” reveals alarming trends that directly align with Open Britain’s goals. Here are some key insights:

Record Low Trust and Confidence
* 45% of the public ‘almost never’ trust British governments to place the nation’s needs above party interests.
* 79% believe the present system of governing Britain needs significant improvement.

Challenges Affecting Trust
* Events such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing economic struggles have severely undermined public trust.

* Dissatisfaction with the NHS and financial hardships are linked to lower confidence in government.

Rising Demand for Constitutional Change
* A record 53% now support changing the electoral system to be fairer to smaller parties.

* Support for English devolution is at an all-time high, with 49% in favor of some form of devolution.

Increasing Populist Sentiments
* Many believe there is a conflict between ordinary people and those in power, reflecting growing populist attitudes.

* These sentiments highlight the disconnection people feel from their elected representatives.

Declining Political Engagement
* Fewer people now support a political party or express interest in politics, which is concerning for the health of our democracy.

These findings reinforce what we have long known: our democracy is in crisis, and urgent action is needed to restore public trust and confidence.

If we fail to address these issues, we risk further erosion of public faith in our institutions, increased political disengagement and the rise of more extreme populist movements. This would fundamentally undermine the principles of liberal democracy that our nation has upheld for centuries.

As you know, Open Britain is committed to making democracy work for everyone, and this report provides a clear mandate for change. Our ongoing initiatives, from advocating for Proportional Representation to pushing for the removal of ‘dark money’ from politics, are all steps towards building a more robust democratic system.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our important cause. Let’s make a difference together.

All the best,

Mark Kieran

CEO, Open Britain
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