100 signatures reached
To: David Cameron
Scrap the anti-lobbying clause
Don't insert clause into new and renewed grant agreements, blocking Charities from lobbying government, parliment and political parties, using Government grants.
Why is this important?
In May the government will block charities, who receive a government grant, from being able to lobby and campaign against government policies. A clause inserted into new and renewed grant agreements will state that Charities can't take part in "activity intended to influence - or attempt to influence - Parliament, government or political parties".
Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said the new rules were "draconian".
"This is tantamount to making charities take a vow of silence and goes against the spirit of open policy-making that this Government has hitherto championed."
Meanwhile big business, who receive government grants can carry on spending over £2.5bn a year on lobbying Westminster.
