Wednesday, 23 March 2005

News Release

New Association Promotes Independent Candidates to the Electorate

Launch of the Independent Network

The Independent Network, a new association that provides regulatory and administrative support to independent political candidates will be launched on Wednesday 23rd March 2005 at Portcullis House, Westminster.

The Independent Network is a loose association of political independents that will provide support to independent candidates and establish public confidence in voting Independent.

The Independent Network is not a political party and does not impose any political views on the individuals or parties that affiliate with it. However, the Independent Network does insist that all affiliates are non-racist and non-discriminatory and have no affiliation with any group or party that embodies beliefs contradictory to these principles. 

Disillusion with party politics

Over the last two decades membership of UK political parties has fallen by over 50 per cent, according to Mair and Biezen, Party Membership In Twenty European Democracies, 1980–2000. Whilst the vast majority of the electorate remains interested in national and local issues, over three quarters of people in the UK feel that they do not have a say in how the country is run, according to a recent MORI poll on political engagement.

Recent research reveals:

• Three fifths of the public can't see much difference between the main political parties any more, according for a recent Populus poll for The Times.

• People remain interested in politics, according to a recent MORI poll on political engagement:

• Over three quarters of people say they are interested in national issues.

• More than four fifths of people say they are interested in local issues.

The young are particularly affected, according to a recent poll by YouGov: 

• Three-quarters of 18 to 24 year olds say that they are interested in political issues.

• Three-fifths of 18 to 24 year olds state that they are not interested in party politics.

The adversarial nature of party politics has been inadequate in delivering effective and representative government. Dr. Richard Taylor MP and affiliate of the Independent Network said; “Independents have the huge privilege of not being bound by a party whip and thus can speak and vote for the Government or with the Opposition depending upon their own and their constituents' opinions on each issue.”

”The success of Independent candidates in the General Election would send a strong message of dissatisfaction to the major political parties and provide welcome alternative views in the House of Commons”

“Until now, Independent candidates have not had access to the human and financial resources available to members of the traditional political parties. The Independent Network will provide affiliates with the necessary support to challenge traditional party candidates.”

Dr. Richard Taylor MP continues; “The Independent Network was formed to give voters confidence in Independents. Independent candidates are an alternative to party politics, and deliver a greater degree of representation for all.”

Peter Lay, Executive of the Independent Network concludes; “Independents are the future of politics in the UK. The formation of the Independent Network will herald a new era in politics where politicians escape the whip system. Independents are more effective at representing the views of constituents and promote democracy at local, national and European levels.”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

The Independent Network is a loose association that provides support to candidates who are not members of traditional political parties. As a not-for-profit association with a simple constitution, the Independent Network consists of: independent representatives in national, regional and local government, and candidates or prospective candidates whom the Independent Network supports. Members of the public who support the principle of elected representatives of public office being free of the established party political system will be encouraged to become affiliated with the Independent Network. 

The Independent Network does not impose any political views on the individuals and parties it supports or that support the Independent Network. However, affiliates of the Independent Network must be non-racist and non-discriminatory and adhere to The Nolan Committee's recommendations on Standards in Public Life.

Fore more information please visit: www.independentnetwork.org.uk Alternatively you can contact the press office at 020 7609 1902.