December 12th, 2013 was, for many of us, a small moment of celebration as the WOW Petition ended with over 104,000 signatures and triggered the eligibility for consideration by the Back Bench Business Committee (BBBC).
After a year of cajolling, persuading, writing to MPs, campaign groups, charities, anti austerity groups, and many others it had all paid off and, for at least a moment, we could relax and realise that we had completed the first part of what we had set out to achieve.Now, of course, the hard part comes.John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, graciously agreed to present the WOW Petition to the BBBC, which he did on both the 3rd and the 10th of December and, with his and others support, managed to secure in principle a full debate on the WOW Petition in the House of Commons in the New Year, at a date yet to be decided.
So this is, once again, where we need your help.For us to have any chance of success whatsoever, we must persuade MPs of our case and get them to support what we are trying to achieve. That’s no easy task, but it is vital that we try and this is how you can help us.
Write to your MP.
We need the support of as many MP's as possible going into this debate and to do this we must persuade them to support us, so please:
Write to your MP
We need the support of as many MP's as possible going into this debate and we need to persuade many to support us, so please:
- Write to your local MP (you can find the details by using our Write to your MP tool) and we've produced a couple of suggested template letters here (outline) and here (detailed)
- Or if you'd prefer to e-mail your MP we've put together an automated tool to help you compile and send it here.
Our advice would be to do as much or as little as you feel able to and comfortable with. A cut and paste letter/ e-mail (Option 1) may be the option that suits you best and allows you to personalise your letter/ e-mail to your MP. Our automated tool is a quick and easy way to effectively let your MP know about the #WOWdebate2014 and your feeling about it. If like myself, you wish to make it more personal then by all means please do. We have included briefing notes on earlier blogs so please use them if you wish. I will be writing a shorter letter and then arranging to meet with my MP to discuss it in more detail, but that is what I'm comfortable with.
Continue to Spread the Word
Whilst signatures may now be closed, every little bit of support can still make a difference to the Campaign. By promoting #WOWpetition on Twitter and Facebook - we'll be using Hashtag #WOWdebate2014 in the run up to the actual day - we can show how much support there is out there. Let family and friends know what we're doing and how they can help us.
Other Suggestions?Let us know! I’m sure there’s ideas we haven’t thought of - we’re only human, after all - so please feel free to get in touch with us. We’re on the above links or you can email us at info@wowpetition.com
To all of our supporters - thank you for everything you’ve done to get us this far and we look forward to a successful 2014. Happy New Year to you all.
Congratulations! Any arguments we can use to persuade our MPs why they should care about this issue? Mine, despite being Labour and broadly sympathetic, really doesn't seem to see why welfare and disability should be a priority for him to take action on.
ReplyDeleteYes ask for representation over your concern/ issues "without predjudice under your right to representation" and if not represented then go to parliamentary standards committee with a complaint. Remain polite at all times.
DeleteIt would be political suicide for him to do so at this time, but wait until they are elected hopefully.
DeleteYou could also ask your MP to ask a question directly to a Minister as they are required to do so.
DeleteThere are many different opinions on how we could influence MP's. Here is one from Jules Clarke http://virtualgherkin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/request-to-brief-mps-next-stage-of.html !
ReplyDeleteThis , learned from MPs themselves and other stuff i've been involved with, its learned, advised,and effective.
DeleteAs I said, there are many different opinions and be advised that the options advised above in the body of the blog are learned, advised and relate to specific recent and detailed consultation direct with MPs.
DeleteIf You Are Effected Directly Or Indirectly Disabled Or Not Employed Or Unemployed A Full Or Part Time Paid Or Unpaid Carer Everyone Should Write To There MP To Ask As Constituents To Have There Views Represented In The Debate To Be Held In 2014 After all MPs Claim That They Work For You, Regardless Of Which Cut Has Effected You Bedroom TAX, Council TAX, Working TAX Child TAX, They Are All Welfare Reform Related And Together The Cumulative Impact On Households Is Predicted To Be horrendous Particularly When Considering The Added Increases Added To The Cost Of Living, Inflation, Austerity And Cuts To Public Spending.
ReplyDeleteI E-mailed my MP ages ago, when I 1st went for my ESA medical and was told I was fit for work. I was on Long term IB for my neck problems, I ended up appealing was still found fit, and went to tribunal where I was deemed unfit. I never heard a thing from her, what a waste of time and space, oh and she is a conservative !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope that more people who have mental health challenges, their family and friends will get behind this important movement and support it.
ReplyDelete