These famous faces are backing a new platform to fix the UK’s broken politics
Martha Lane Fox, Dan Snow and Simon Schama are among the famous faces backing a new platform that's seeking to fix the UK's broken political systems – but it says it's not a political party.
More United bills itself as a "tech-driven poltical startup" and "a new people's movement".
The platform will support any candidate which abides by certain principles, inspired by a speech given by Jo Cox, the MP for Birstall in West Yorkshire who was murdered in her constituency in June.
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"By joining together the strength of thousands of ordinary voters, and unlocking the power of crowdfunding, we believe we can get more progressive MPs from all parties elected over time and shift the balance of Parliament away from extremism," the group said on a newly launched website.
It's principles are:
- A fair, modern, efficient market based economy that closes the gap between rich and poor and supports strong public services
- A modern democracy that empowers citizens, rather than politicians
- A green economy that protects the environment and works to reverse climate change
- An open and tolerant society where diversity is celebrated in all its forms
- A United Kingdom that welcomes immigration, international co-operation and a close relationship with the EU
Initially the platform is soliciting for supporters and will then decide which candidates to back with financial and other support later this year, making the decision collectively and raising cash via crowdfunding.
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Other backers of the movement include Baron Rumi Verjee, the entrepreneur who brought Domino's Pizza to the UK, former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown, The Kooks singer Luke Pritchard, campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez and former High Court judge Dame Janet Smith.
The launch comes amid a shake up of the Conservative government by new Prime Minister Theresa May and an ongoing crisis within the Labour party.
More than 4,000 people are already following @MoreUnitedUK on Twitter and more than 1,000 have liked its Facebook page.
"There are millions who want to make a difference without belonging to a political party," Ashdown told the BBC's Andrew Marr show on Sunday morning.