Released 25th May 2001

Charter88 announced the launch of their Unlocking Democracy campaign today. A series of meetings throughout Britain provide an opportunity for voters to question their candidates on all aspects of democracy.

Pam Giddy, Director of Charter88, said:

"Low voter turnout is not about apathy, but about a type of politics that excludes and alienates the public. Unlocking Democracy meetings facilitate a dialogue between politicians and the people which is unfortunately all too infrequent. Public debate is the surest way of uncovering and acknowledging the real root of this much discussed disaffection."

Unlocking Democracy meetings are taking place in some of the vital seats in this general election. In constituencies such as Hexham, Putney, Lewes and Wimbledon, voters will be given the chance to quiz their candidates on questions at the heart of this election."

Ms. Giddy added:

"These meetings will be a barometer for public opinion and an opportunity to make democracy itself an election issue. From Aberdeen to Lewes and Cardiff to Norwich the electorate will have the chance to put their candidates and our political system on trial."

Key meetings include:

Hexham: the Tory MP Peter Atkinson won the constituency by just 222 votes in 1997, making it one of the most closely watched seats of this election.

Lewes: currently held by Liberal Democrat Norman Baker. The constituency has been the focus of attention as a prime site of anti-Tory tactical voting.

Hornsey and Wood Green: Will Hutton, chief executive of the Industrial Society and ex-editor of The Observer, will be chairing the Unlocking Democracy meeting. Candidates include Barbara Roche, controversial Minister of State for the Home Office.

Notes to Editors:

Unlocking Democracy meetings are nationally co-ordinated by Charter88. Each non-party aligned public meeting is organised locally by Charter88 signatories to give voters the opportunity to debate with candidates how we are governed. To ensure fairness, each meeting has a neutral chair, all candidates are invited and each is given an equal opportunity to state their case and to take part in the debate.