WIREDGOV

A new annual week of action which will put the spotlight on democracy and boost participation is to be launched by the government.

The inaugural National Democracy Week will be held in summer 2018, Chris Skidmore, the Minister for the Constitution, announced recently.

It will be themed on the Suffrage Centenary, as we celebrate two significant anniversaries next year - 100 years since women won the right to vote and 90 years since women won equal voting rights to men.

Making the announcement, Minister Skidmore told the Cabinet Office International Democracy Day celebration that the pursuit of democratic participation, particularly among under represented groups, must be a continuous goal.

Next year’s event, to be held between 2-6 July, will bring together organisations from across the public, private and charity sectors for a week of unified national action.

The aim is to engage with under registered groups, better understand the barriers they face, and work with partners to ensure that every member of society who is entitled to do so has an equal chance to participate in our democracy and to have their say.

Minister for the Constitution, Chris Skidmore said:

This Government is committed to building a flourishing, inclusive democracy that works for everyone.

I want as many people as possible to engage in our democracy which does not begin and end with an electoral event.

That is why I’m delighted to announce that we are introducing an annual National Democracy Week to help boost democratic participation amongst under registered groups in our society.