Amnesty says it won’t be silenced on human rights and equality just because a new law forces it to register to campaign during the general election
Amnesty International UK has registered as a non-party campaigner with the Electoral Commission in a bid not to fall foul of the Lobbying Act.
The human rights organisation said it had been forced to register so it could continue to campaign on issues including the Human Rights Act and homophobia.
The act, which was passed last year, means any individual or organisation that spends £10,000 in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland or £20,000 in England on campaigning in the run up to elections but does not stand as a political party or candidate must register as a non-party campaigner.
The act places limits on political activity by third parties in the run up to an election and is widely unpopular among the third sector, leading to a coalition of 160 organisations calling for it to be repealed by the next government.
On signing up to it, Tim Hancok, director of the chief executive’s office at Amnesty International UK, criticised the act for being so “broadly drawn” that some of its long-standing work could fall under the definition of regulated campaign activity.
Since we have supported the Human Rights Act and equalities legislation for decades, it would be unconscionable for Amnesty International UK to remain silent when proposals are floated that would erode hard-won rights
“Whilst we could have established internal rules to prevent us from undertaking such activity, the implication would have been to say nothing about proposals to repeal the Human Rights Act or to allow homophobic discrimination,” he said.
“Since we have supported the Human Rights Act and equalities legislation for decades, it would be unconscionable for Amnesty International UK to remain silent when proposals are floated that would erode hard-won rights.
“Amnesty International UK has criticised the current government. We have also praised it. The same applied to its predecessors. We decide our stance issue by issue, policy by policy and not because we want to see a government of one complexion or another.”
Hancock added he was concerned the act of registration may lead some people to believe that Amnesty International UK is campaigning to influence the outcome of the general election period – something he strongly denies.
He continued: “Amnesty International is required by its own governing statute to act with political impartiality.
“We do not, never will and never have sought to procure the success of a one political party over another.
“Our actions are always intended to secure greater enjoyment of human rights and to prevent their erosion, in the UK and abroad.
“We hope to see a general election campaign that features informed and constructive debate about human rights.
“We look forward to working with the MPs who are returned at the next election and with the next Government, whoever forms it.
