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Real Change is handing over to the Rowntree's project Power 2010: we need "One big joint movement for change".

A message from Helena Kennedy (Chair of the Steering Committee), John Jackson (Vice-Chair), Guy Aitchison (Director), Clare Coatman (Coordinator), Anthony Barnett and Rosemary Bechler (Joint-Chairs of the Executive Team)

We are writing with what we believe to be very good news for the future of democratic politics in Britain.

In a series of conversations with organisations, individuals and potential funders we have found ourselves part of a growing desire to see two things in Britain: a major citizens gathering before the next election to demand real reform of our system of government; and, second, a call for people to meet together across the country to feed their views into such a convention or assembly, giving its outcome backing and legitimacy.

The joint democracy committee of the Rowntree Charitable and Reform Trusts (which created the Power Inquiry) is adopting this approach. We think they are in the best position to get the widest possible alliance of support for it. So we happily hand the baton of the work we have done to the Rowntree’s team, which will be headed by Pam Giddy, and are closing down Real Change as a separate entity.

We call on you to transfer your support wholeheartedly to Pam and her team as we are doing.

The crisis precipitated by the MPs expenses scandal has led to a collapse in public trust in our system. While this is a historic opportunity to insist on reform, it will only happen if there is one big joint movement for change. The Rowntree trusts longstanding commitment to political reform and open-minded support for democracy, human rights and liberty offers a brilliant opportunity for joint action. Together, we can make change for real.

Thank you for your support,

Helena Kennedy, John Jackson, Guy Aitchison, Clare Coatman, Anthony Barnett and Rosemary Bechler.