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Political Neutrality
Ethical Hour Ltd and the 1.5% for 1.5C campaign seeks to work with people across all main political parties, to influence manifesto commitments and present recommendations on climate, nature and quality of life actions and solutions to whichever party wins the next UK general election.
In line with the Electoral Commission’s requirements, Ethical Hour Ltd, the 1.5% for 1.5C campaign and 181st Street Ltd wishes to make it clear that we do not endorse any individual political party, and will aim to create all content messaging etc in a completely unbiased and fair manner that does not favour one party over another.
Where a party’s behaviour is relevant to the news site or to the campaign in an unavoidable manner, we will actively seek to offer unbiased comparisons between those parties receiving more than 15% of the vote share, so as to ensure comparison over criticism or praise, allowing our community and the UK as a whole to make up their own minds based on independent, unbiased analysis.
Our approach is to use legitimate means of democratic pressure (lobbying, publicity, meetings etc.) to persuade candidates to make climate, nature and quality of life commitments, and to dedicate the parliamentary time to implementing these. However, if they do so, that does not mean we endorse their candidacy. If they do not do so, that does not mean we oppose their candidacy.
If a candidate says, either explicitly, or by implication, that Ethical Hour Ltd endorses (or opposes) their candidacy, we will insist that they correct such statements and, if necessary, publicly point out any errors in what a candidate is saying.
Regulatory Requirements
The campaign is primarily run based on volunteering and donations of time. It is our intention that any and all spending should cumulatively fall below the required registration threshold as set out by the Electoral Commission.
We have split the campaign into multiple operational periods, and as a result, accounting for the fact that the aim of the campaign is to influence policy, not the outcome of the general election and people’s choice of candidate, we are not currently required to register with the Electoral Commission.
However, depending on when the 2024 election is called, Ethical Hour Ltd and the 1.5% for 1.5C campaign may choose to register ahead of the pre-election period (purdah – the period between the time an election is announced and the date the election is held, during which time Civil servants are given official guidance by the Cabinet Office on the rules they must follow in relation to Government business), so as to ensure that we meet the highest standards in terms of reporting, neutrality, ethics and transparency.
Under the Electoral Commission’s 2023 draft guidance for non-party campaigners, Ethical Hour Ltd, the 1.5% for 1.5C campaign and 181st Street Ltd will not be seeking to promote or procure the electoral success of one or more political parties, or candidates who support or do not support particular policies, or another particular category of candidates, by influencing voters at an upcoming election to vote in a particular way.
It is not currently the intent of Ethical Hour Ltd, the 1.5% for 1.5C campaign and 181st Street Ltd to take donations to support the campaign and Ethical Hour Ltd, the 1.5% for 1.5C campaign and 181st Street Ltd are expecting that any funds requires shall be provided via Ethical Hour Ltd and 181st Street Ltd. However, in line with the Electoral Commission’s requirements for non-party campaigners, should the threshold be breached (within the reporting period) and a change in donations policy take place, Ethical Hour Ltd and 181st Street Ltd will ensure any and all required spending returns and statements of accounts include any donations received during the reporting period for the next general election are submitted.