Dear SPEAK supporter:
You are no doubt aware that SPEAK Campaigns is currently facing legal action in the High Court as Oxford University misuse the legal system in an attempt to muzzle a legitimate campaign. The vivisection industry, working alongside Tony Blair and the Labour Government have been very effective at appropriating the British Judicial system. This undemocratic use of the legal system in order to stifle both public debate and prevent legal protest has placed many other animal rights organisations in similarly difficult positions.
Tony Blair talks of bringing Democracy to the Middle East, yet is intent on refusing his own people the basic freedoms taken for granted in most civilized countries. His government has systematically sought to curtail our civil liberties, rights and freedoms. We are spied upon, bugged and harassed at every turn. Who would have believed we would be facing such an Orwellian scenario just a decade after New Labour swept to power promising transparent and fair governance.
How does a campaigning organisation remain effective in the current environment? That is the question many protest groups are now asking themselves. For SPEAK, part of the answer is to enter the Political arena, and to this end we have launched a political wing known as ‘SPEAK Political’ which will contest seats at future elections.
Some of you will probably be uneasy to hear that SPEAK is entering the political arena. At SPEAK we can understand that, and want to put your mind at rest. The formation of SPEAK Political will have no effect on SPEAK Campaigns, which will continue exactly as before. SPEAK Political is a completely separate entity that will operate alongside SPEAK Campaigns offering an additional way forward.
At SPEAK Political we want no part of the three party hegemony: instead we intend to subvert it. This isn’t about winning seats either. We know that would be very difficult given the current unfair nature of the British ‘first past the post’ political system. But it’s the very unfairness of the system that will give us our power.
We intend to stand against incumbent MP's who are outspokenly anti-animal (such as Dr Evan Harris) as well as Labour MP's with small majorities. We do not intend to stand in every area, but in specific targeted seats where there is an issue of animal welfare. In real terms, all we need to do is lose some of these people their seats in order to gain genuine political influence and move animal rights to the top of the political agenda.
We believe there has never been a better time to do this. People are tired of traditional party politics. Let’s face it, whichever party it is, they promise the world and deliver nothing, which is why voter apathy is now so prevalent. SPEAK Political want to reinvigorate the electoral system, taking on the politicians in their own constituencies and letting them know: there really is no where for them to hide. If they promise us something and they don’t deliver or if politicians are misusing their positions in order to promote corporate business, then SPEAK Political will be there to hold them to account. At SPEAK we believe we can gain many protest votes because of this, as well as votes from people who believe in animal rights issues.
Further announcements will follow shortly detailing ways in which you can help and get involved. We have a long and difficult road ahead of us but these are exciting times. For the first time we have a genuine Party for the animals, a party that isn’t frightened to speak the truth and a Party that wants to see real change rather than just be seen to want it. We hope that you will be as excited as we are about the future and will give us your support as we fight for a better system. For too long now politicians have been allowed to exist in the cosy world of party politics. All that is about to change.
SPEAK Political
