February Newsletter
Dear supporters
The United States’ dangerous slide towards autocracy makes the work of CIP even more vital and urgent.
Our movement is gaining even more momentum as we propose genuine solutions to the rise in hate and polarisation. Our work is also attracting increasing interest from across the globe, which is great news, as now more than ever we need to be connecting across national boundaries to protect democracy from those who would undermine it.
Here are a few highlights of the work we’ve been doing to keep our politics more compassionate over the last month:
A Dynamic Start to the Year - Compassion and Peacebuilding
Global Peace Summit at the UN in Bangkok:
For the second year running, our co-director, Jennifer Nadel, gave a keynote speech on the role of compassion in creating peace. The Summit is an inspiring three day event with Peace Ambassadors from 46 countries.
We are honoured to report that Jennifer was presented with the prestigious Global Peace Award in recognition of the work of Compassion in Politics.
Political Tech in Berlin:
Compassion in Politics was also invited to address Europe’s first Political Tech Summit in Berlin. The event brought together tech and political experts from Europe and the USA with the goal of identifying tech advances and collaborations that could protect and enhance democracy.
In addition to speaking about our training work and the need for an ethical foundation to tech solutions, Jennifer chaired a keynote with Beth Goldberg from Google’s Jigsaw Unit in New York, which is developing algorithms to promote ‘bridging’ (as opposed to polarising) content online. A move totally aligned with our methodology!
Driving Change in Westminster
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Parliament, was addressed by
Anya Sizer, our Democracy Lead, on CIP’s key recommendations for Modernising Westminster.
Introduced by the Leader of the House and Chair of the Modernisation Committee, Lucy Powell MP, Anya talked about the recommendations from the report we co-produced with 50:50 Parliament. These recommendations have already been submitted as part of a very welcome Government initiative for political reform. It was wonderful to have the chance to share these ideas directly with some of the key decision makers. Our huge thanks to Helen Pankhurst from Centenary Action Group. for hosting the event.
Improving Civility:
It’s been so rewarding for us as a team to be working with the inspirational Kim Leadbetter MP on ways to promote civility in political discourse. We’re working with her to organise an event for MPs in June on resetting political culture to mark the anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox, Kim’s sister. We are also working with Kim’s team to host a summit on resetting political culture more generally and are actively seeking partners and sponsors for this so do get in touch if you or your organisation is interested in being part of this high profile action.
Honesty in Politics
Yes, Prime Minister!
When Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Parliament that he condemned lies and called for debate to be ‘based on facts and truth’, CIP was immediately able to remind him that we have a ready-made piece of legislation which would do just that, by disqualifying politicians and candidates who deliberately misrepresented the facts.
We organised a letter signed by more than forty politicians, civil society leaders, academics and activists calling on the Government to introduce the measure in Westminster. The Welsh Parliament has already agreed to take it forward.
Compassion in Politics in the News:
As abuse and toxicity in politics dominate the news, the media are increasingly turning to Compassion in Politics for comments and answers.
CIP was featured in The Sun’s Political podcast, a remarkable appearance as it’s not a platform we’re normally invited on to! Other broadcast appearances this month were on LBC, including the Vanessa Feltz show, and the Jeremy Vine Show on BBC2.
Jennifer was also interviewed about CIP in the Big Issue this month. “Protecting Democracy Requires Action”
Countering the Rise of the Far Right:
This is an increasing area of focus for us and in January we worked with Byline Times journalist, Josiah Mortimer, to reveal evidence that the leader of Reform UK was spending time with far right extremists.
Jennifer also wrote a personal thought piece for the Byline Times on what Labour can do to counter the rise of the far right.
A Growing Movement
As you may know, almost all our impact is achieved by a committed group of dedicated volunteers.
We are delighted to welcome five new and talented volunteers to the team; Carrie, Esme, Hugh, Dan and Barbara are expanding our capacity and have taken up crucial roles furthering our message in Parliament, on social media and in communications and research. Get in touch if you would like to join them and become part of the team.
Thank you also to you, our supporters. None of our work would be possible without you. Whether you're reading this newsletter, spreading the word, taking action or donating, you are playing a crucial part of the movement to build a more compassionate world. We cannot thank you enough!
Join the campaign and become a member of Compassion in Politics
If you can, please support our vital work protecting democracy and compassion in our politics.
Kind regards
Jenifer, Matt and Tom
Compassion in Politics.