Dear progressive parties: if we want a better government, we have to get it together

Keir Starmer and Ed Davey

Recent local elections and by-elections have shown progressives that we win when we work as one.

In contests where there was a single progressive candidate against the Conservatives, the progressive vote spiked – and more progressives won.

Labour and the Lib Dems have faced attacks from the Tories, who rightly fear further cooperation.

And while we cheer the downfall of Johnson we know the rotten system he exploited remains. Until we change the system, nothing of substance changes. Democracy isn't the only issue - but it is the first issue.

We need to tell Keir Starmer and Ed Davey that we support this shift to coordination – and want it to be based on trust, a vision for the country and common progressive priorities - starting with building a healthy and modern democracy. This means it should also be extended to all other progressive parties.

Sign, share and speak louder.

In the months ahead we will show that alliance-building is the politics of a progressive future.

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To: Keir Starmer and Ed Davey
From: [Your Name]

We've seen win after win made possible by progressive co-operation.

This is what winning feels like. And it happens when progressives recognise their common cause and work together.

The ex-Chairman of the Tory Party, Oliver Dowden accused Labour and the Lib Dems of forming a pact to win seats at the local elections and by-elections in June. The Tories have been trying to divide progressives by accusing them of exactly the same tactics they use to win.

​And they have real reason to be worried: because it works.

We know we need to play the system to beat the system. But most importantly, we believe in co-operation for the greater good: to get a progressive majority government that will act on the pressing issues of our time, including electoral reform.

We also think that this co-operation should extend to all progressive parties, first and foremost the Green Party.

Johnson is gone, good. But the Good Society we dream of can only be built on a good democracy - in which power is shared, dispersed and held to account.

So we say: don't hide from the need for, and virtue of, progressive co-operation. To win deeper democracy, greater equality, stronger public services and bold action on the climate crisis, we need more powerful alliances than ever before.

We sign and share to show you that we back the building of a progressive majority.

We need a fairer and deeper democracy. We can only get it together.