In association with The Observer

Charter88 Conference
November 2^nd 2002
Imperial College, London

Unique conference to create new coalition for democracy

This major conference is a unique opportunity to meet and debate with politicians, human rights activists, academics, and journalists. 'The Future of Democracy' will address the lack of government accountability for crucial decisions, including taking military action against Iraq, the political implications of the Euro and the EU, and the introduction of legislation which infringes on our civil liberties.

'The Future of Democracy' is more than a conference. The aim is to create a new coalition of those worried about democracy, including trade unions, political parties, anti-globalisation protestors, women's groups, anti-racist groups, environmentalists and the rural lobby.

Charter88 has always been concerned with reforming the political system, but efforts at reform since 1997 have not prevented a growing crisis in our democracy. People believe that decisions are made by a small elite in Westminster, by quangos controlling their public services, and further away in international bodies like the EU and the WTO. Campaigning groups have often failed to make these links, the aim of a coalition for democracy is to set this new agenda for reform.

Speakers at 'The Future of Democracy' include:

• Rt Hon Robin Cook MP - Leader of the House of Commons
• Lindiwe Mabuza - South African High Commissioner
• Will Hutton - author and journalist
• Trevor Phillips - Member London Assembly
• Bonnie Greer- Author and broadcaster
• Billy Bragg - musician
• Susan Kramer- former Mayoral candidate
• Simon Hughes MP- LibDem spokesman on Home Affairs
• Fiona Mactaggart MP
• David Soul - actor, director, singer
• Martin Sixsmith- journalist
• Barry Coates - World Development Movement
• Peter Tatchell - human rights campaigner
• Richard Burge, The Countryside Alliance
• Tom Bentley - DEMOS
• Janet Bush - New Europe

Director of Charter88, Karen Bartlett, said

"This government is so strong, the opposition pitifully weak. The current issues we face are critical in determining our global and local future. By campaigning separately we have made it far too easy for the government to ignore us. For too long we have campaigned alone on issues which share an underlining concern; the lack of democracy, transparency and accountability in the decisions which affect our lives. It is up to reforming groups to act together as the conscience of ordinary people, and to serve notice on the political establishment that they must be heard"