This Bill is a test of whether politics can finally work for all of us. Right now, too many people feel shut out of decisions that shape their lives. Big money dominates political debate. Millions are missing from the electoral register. And the rules that are meant to protect fairness and transparency are too often weak, outdated, or ignored.
We think therefore that It is no surprise that trust in politics is low. We believe that the Representation of the People Bill is a chance to change that. This is a test of whether the UK strengthens the rules that govern power, or allows the system to continue working for those with the most money and influence.
What needs to change:
(1) The Bill takes some important steps forward. But in its current form, it does not yet go far enough to fix the deeper problems in our democracy.
(2) We are calling for targeted changes that would make the system fairer, more transparent, and more accountable:
Curb the influence of big money
(3) Introduce clear caps on political donations and spending so that no individual or organisation can buy outsized influence.
(4) Bring millions into the system
(5) Deliver full Automatic Voter Registration so that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so.
(6) Protect independent oversight
(7) Strengthen the powers and independence of the Electoral Commission so it can properly enforce the rules.
(8) Make politics fit for the digital age
(9) Close loopholes around online campaigning and improve transparency in digital political advertising.
All these aspects matter because if the rules are weak, power concentrates. Decisions are made behind closed doors. Influence flows to those who can afford it. And ordinary people are left feeling like their voice does not count.
That is not a healthy democracy.
This Bill is a welcome opportunity to reset the balance. To show that politics can work in the interests of the public, not just the powerful.
Our Democracy Renewal Coalition:
Fair Vote UK is coordinating a broad, cross-party civil society coalition to strengthen the Bill as it moves through Parliament.
This coalition brings together organisations working on democracy, anti-corruption, transparency and participation. Together, we are aligning around clear, shared priorities and speaking with one voice on the changes needed.
We are:
(1) Convening partners across civil society to agree joint positions and strategy
(2) Producing shared briefings and analysis for MPs and peers
(3)Coordinating media engagement to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging
(4) Supporting a wide range of expert voices to speak publicly on reform
(5) Engaging decision-makers across Parliament to build support for change
By working together, we are able to match the scale of the challenge. No single organisation can shift this alone. But a coordinated coalition can, we are building the necessary pressure for change.
Alongside this coordination, we are working to ensure that the case for reform is visible, urgent and impossible to ignore. We are bringing together evidence, public opinion and real-world examples to demonstrate how the current system is failing, and what a stronger set of rules would look like in practice.
Power belongs in the hands of the public and we want to make sure that it is returned with the help of this Bill.
