| Background Information | Charter 88 is a constitutional reform campaign. The Charter, signed by over 80,000 people, calls for: proportional representation; a Bill of Rights; a written constitution; Freedom of Information and open government; a democratic, non-hereditary Upper House; a reinvigorated Parliament; an independent judiciary; and devolved power within the UK. The Charter was launched as an advert in The Guardian newspaper and New Statesman magazine, with 348 high-profile signatories. Founded by Stuart Wier, the group's launch coincided with the 300th anniversary of the Glorious Revolution, with the name taking inspiration from the Czech dissident body Charter 77. Since its inception, and particularly since the election of the Blair Government in 1997, Charter 88 has seen significant steps made towards the achievement of its agenda. In July 2006, Charter 88 and the New Politics Network agreed to begin moves to merge their organisations, under the banner of Unlock Democracy. Sources: www.charter88.org.uk; Barberis et al 2000 p71; Mercer 1994 |
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