This govt’s been hit by multiple controversies recently over its standards and transparency. We want democracy to be something you do - not something you have done to you. So here are the facts. THREAD
1/ Today, in the wake of the Greensill and Dyson revelations, a poll for @theipaper found that 50% of voters agree that this government has a “culture of sleaze”. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/government-has-culture-of-sleaze-half-voters-say-greensill-lobbying-revelations-973881
2/ As well, in recent weeks, concerns have been raised about the amount of public money going to friends and family of ministers - including for PPE via a so-called “VIP lane” at the start of the pandemic. https://www.itv.com/news/2021-04-21/coronavirus-contracts-worth-37bn-raise-corruption-concerns-report-says
3/ Back on Dyson, the PM assured us last week that he’d release his full communications with the businessman on Friday. That’s not quite what we got. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-james-dyson-texts-b1836635.html
4/ There are also allegations that a party donor paid for the PM to redecorate the flat in No. 10 - without declaring it. If true this would be another hit to this govt’s integrity at a time when it’s already under question. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-56878663
5/ And when he or any other ministers are found to have broken ministerial code? It’s Boris Johnson who decides if it needs to be investigated. https://news.sky.com/story/greensill-boris-johnson-told-to-give-up-power-to-decide-on-investigating-ministers-12278814
6/ This lack of accountability is a concerning trend for this govt. Earlier this year, it was censured by @opengovpart - who said that its reputation for openness and accountability was in “freefall”. https://news.sky.com/story/uk-government-censured-for-a-lack-of-transparency-and-accountability-12234248
7/ The Govt cannot be allowed to mark its own homework in this or any other area. It’s hugely damaging to public trust, which in turn will hurt democratic participation. https://www.bestforbritain.org/the_government_should_not_be_allowed_to_mark_its_own_work
8/ Times of crisis like a pandemic usually see an increase in trust in government - as we did during the first few months. But it’s slid back down thanks to the govt’s conduct since, which damages Britain’s reputation as a fair and transparent democracy. https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/insights/industry/public-sector/government-trends/2021/public-trust-in-government.html
9/ The report above suggests 4 key factors to help govts build trust - humanity, transparency, capability, and reliability. Until this govt commits to greater transparency, trust will continue to falter, which will hurt democratic participation - especially amongst young people.
10/ We’re fighting to make sure every vote counts equally and restore trust in the democratic process. Want to help us hold this government to account? Sign up at the link below
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