In the 1800s, when only aristocrats could vote or be politicians, the Chartists demanded something radical: the right for ordinary people to participate in democracy, not just the wealthy. Thanks to their work we got wider suffrage, pay for MPs, secret ballots – the fundamentals of democracy as a right, not a privilege.
Why Charters?
Twice before in UK history, People’s Charters have transformed our democracy and won people power.
Twice before in UK history, People's Charters have transformed our democracy.
Both times, Charters won us not just power, but a fairer country.
The working week, clear air to breathe – rights that were won because we dared to reimagine how power works. Who has power and how they make change.
In 1988, a new Chartist movement emerged – Charter 88 – which pushed for democracy to be more open, transparent and for everyone's benefit. They introduced ideas like 'freedom of information', a human rights act, and devolution of decision making to parliaments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They didn't get everything they wanted, but by the year 2000 most of their demands had been met, pushing forward our democracy once again.
Now, in 2025, we're once again facing the problems that spurred on the original Chartists two hundred years ago – life's getting harder, and people feel powerless. We need to build a democracy that works for everyone, and we're not waiting another 100 years.
The People's Charter movement has already begun, and we want you to be a part of it.