The recent election results have sounded a clear alarm.

The forces of division and extremism are gaining ground, while the progressive majority remains fractured.

There’s still time to change course by the next General Election, but we urgently need to come together.

There is a progressive majority in this country. Most people want a society that is fairer, a democracy that works, and a planet protected for future generations.

Yet our outdated political system divides us. Progressives are encouraged to fight each other, splitting the vote and clearing a path for extremist voices to win with little public backing.

And once they win, they earn unchecked power to attack and dismantle the democratic institutions and values we hold dear.

Competition between progressives and the short-term approach it incentives means politics-as-usual is failing to offer the hopeful vision needed to tackle the crises we face, from climate breakdown to the struggling NHS and cost of living.

So to truly counter the threat of the far-right we need to build a new, bold politics of hope and cooperation.

That’s why we urge the leaders of all progressive parties to work together at the next election.

Where you can compete without enabling the far-right, compete on your ideas. But where division risks handing them victory, we call on you to cooperate.

Come together to offer voters a positive alternative that can win so our progressive majority can finally be seen and we build the political platform to really address the economic and environmental crises we face.

If we remain divided, forces of division and extremism only need to win once to gain power - and begin to reshape the country.

But if we unite, the prize is bigger than any weak and short-lived, single party victory: it’s a better Britain. A country that stands for unity, against hatred and division. To achieve that, the majority that believes in it must find a way to stand together.

Signatories

Best for Britain  

Compass

Compassion in Politics

Forward Democracy

The 99% Organisation

Lolly Adefope, Actress and Comedian

Sir Mark Rylance, Actor

Yanis Varoufakis, economist, political leader and author.

Emeritus Prof. Rupert Read, Author ‘Why climate breakdown matters’

Kate E Pickett, OBE, Professor of Epidemiology, Author ‘The Spirit Level’

Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner

Mark E Thomas, Founder of the 99% Organisation, Author ‘99%: Mass Impoverishment and How We Can End It’

Dr Simon Duffy, Citizen Network

Emeritus Prof. Richard Wilkinson, Author ‘The Spirit Level’

Peter Dunphy & Roger Wilson, Unite To Reform

Zoe Gardner, independent researcher, campaigner and commentator