A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | CH | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
More United | |
|---|---|
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| Founded | 24 July 2016 |
| Headquarters | London[1] |
| Ideology | Pro-Europeanism Progressivism Environmentalism |
| Political position | Centre |
| Website | |
| moreunited | |
More United is a cross-party political movement in the United Kingdom. It describes itself as a "tech-driven political startup" that supports candidates regardless of party affiliation.[2] The movement advocates public service investment, democratic reform, a green economy, tolerant society, and co-operation with the EU.
More United takes its name from the maiden speech delivered by Jo Cox,[3] a British MP who was murdered in June 2016.
Values
The movement says it will support any candidate from any party who backs its values and pledges to advance them in Parliament:[4]
- Opportunity: we need a fair economy that bridges the gap between rich and poor.
- Tolerance: we want to live in a free, diverse society where our differences are celebrated and respected.
- Democracy: we want you to have real influence over politics.
- Environment: we must do everything possible to tackle climate change and protect our environment.
- Openness: we welcome immigration, but understand it must work for everyone, and believe in bringing down international barriers, not raising them. We also want a close relationship with Europe.
History
Following the result of the 2016 UK referendum on EU membership, in which the country voted to withdraw from the European Union, there was considerable media discussion concerning the future of the British centre ground.[5][6] Press rumours of a split in the Labour Party had occurred since Jeremy Corbyn's election as leader in 2015; this intensified after pro-EU members of his shadow cabinet resigned in protest of his allegedly weak support for the Remain campaign, leading to a leadership challenge by Owen Smith. The Conservatives also faced the prospect of an ideological split, as some pro-EU Conservatives feared the potential consequences of Andrea Leadsom defeating Theresa May in the leadership election;[5] Leadsom ultimately withdrew from the race, handing unopposed victory to May. Paddy Ashdown, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, wrote an article in The Times accusing both parties of failing to provide reasonable solutions to the issues afflicting communities across Britain.[7]
More United was founded in July 2016 by a team drawn from business, academia, and politics: Austin Rathe, Bess Mayhew, Corinne Sawers and Maurice Biriotti.[8] They received support from cross party MPs, led by Paddy Ashdown.
Election campaigns
2016 Richmond Park by-election
More United voted to support Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Olney, who subsequently defeated the incumbent MP, Zac Goldsmith, in December 2016.[9]
2017 general election
On 23 November 2016, More United launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to help support candidates. By 22 December, the campaign had raised £274,164.[10]
2019 general election
(Please note it is not uncommon for More United to endorse more than one candidate in the same seat)[12]