Members of Advance UK have voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining forces with the Great British PAC, paving the way for the creation of a larger patriotic movement focused on campaigning, policy development, legal action and public advocacy.
In a ballot of members, 6,442 voted in favour of the proposal and 921 voted against, representing 87 per cent support and 13 per cent opposition. A total of 7,363 votes were cast.
The ballot opened on 5 June and closed at 10pm on 7 June after voting was extended to allow as many members as possible to participate. The result was certified by independent verifier David Atherton on 8 June.
The vote follows an earlier decision by the Advance UK College, the organisation’s elected governing body, which had already backed the proposal before referring the matter to the wider membership.
Announcing the result, Advance UK leader Ben Habib described it as a “clear and strong result” and thanked members for what he called a strong mandate for change.
The proposal will see Advance UK join with the Great British PAC, a cross-party organisation that seeks to influence public policy, support legal challenges and build campaigns on issues it believes are in the national interest.
Supporters of the move argue that it will allow the movement to exert greater influence by working across party lines and focusing on practical outcomes rather than electoral politics alone.
The Great British PAC has become particularly well known for its campaign against the Government’s proposed transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. The organisation has supported judicial review proceedings for the Chagossians, commissioned polling, developed policy proposals and built cross-party support in Parliament in an effort to delay ratification of the deal.
Beyond Westminster, the PAC has also played a central role in supporting the Chagossian community. It helped organise the democratic election that saw Misley Mandarin chosen as Interim First Minister of the Chagossian Government-in-Exile, assisted in the establishment of that administration and supported legal action that secured court protections allowing Chagossians currently living on the islands to remain there while their case is heard.
Claire Bullivant, Chief Executive of the Great British PAC, welcomed the decisive vote by Advance UK members to support the proposal.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted by this result and grateful for the confidence that Advance UK members have placed in this vision.
“The Great British PAC was built on a simple principle: Britain’s problems cannot wait until the next election cycle. We need people willing to act now.
“We are not a political party and we are not interested in tribal politics. We work with anyone prepared to do the right thing for Britain. The PAC’s loyalty is not to a party, but to the country itself.
“The Chagos campaign has demonstrated what can be achieved when determined patriots come together behind a common cause. We have worked with Conservatives, Reform, Liberal Democrats, the DUP, independent parliamentarians and Labour MPs such as Graham Stringer because achieving results matters more than party labels.
“By developing policy, supporting legal action, commissioning polling, building public support and creating cross-party coalitions, we have shown that citizens can influence national debate and hold decision-makers to account.
“Bills, amendments and campaigns are far more powerful when they have support from across the political spectrum. It’s remarkable what can be achieved when patriots from different parties put the country first and work together.
“Advance UK members bring enormous talent, experience and passion. They are patriots through and through and we are excited to welcome them into the PAC. Together, we will continue to build a movement focused relentlessly on outcomes, defending Britain’s interests, challenging bad decisions wherever they come from and supporting good ideas wherever they emerge.”
The ballot was not without controversy.
According to Advance UK, an internal dispute emerged during the voting process after the party’s former Interim Chief Operating Officer, Tim Power, circulated an email challenging aspects of the proposal and raising concerns about governance and procedure.
Advance UK said Mr Power was subsequently removed from his position and alleged that he attempted to disrupt the ballot process. The organisation said the matter has been referred to lawyers and that legal action may follow.
Mr Power has previously disputed the legality of the process and raised concerns regarding governance arrangements. Advance UK says the issues raised are now being handled by its legal advisers and that it remains confident that all necessary governance, legal and regulatory processes are being followed appropriately.
Despite the disagreement, members ultimately backed the proposal by a substantial margin.
Mr Habib said the result would enable the movement to continue pursuing its objectives through a larger organisation while preserving the possibility of a future political vehicle if circumstances required.
“Joining with the Great British Political Action Committee gives us greater reach and greater strength to fight for the things that brought us together,” he said.
He also thanked volunteers and staff who worked throughout the weekend assisting members and administering the ballot.
The organisations will now begin working through the practical arrangements required to complete the transition.
Supporters say the merger will create a larger patriotic movement capable of developing policy, supporting legal action, building public campaigns and working with politicians from all parties in pursuit of specific objectives.
Further details regarding membership arrangements, governance structures and future campaigns are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the transition progresses.
