Democracy at work...

[rhythmaning]

Following my recent adventures with the police in London, I decided I would write to my MP.

Well, actually, that's what I told the police officer who stopped me I would do; I think one becomes pompous in moments like that...

Anyhow, I reckoned I ought to follow through. I have never written to my MP directly before - I have occasionally filled in online petitions and stuff like that, but I have never sent my elected representatives anything specific before.

So on Wednesday, I went to They Work For You, entered my post code, and selected the option to send him an email, and wrote with the details of what happened, urging him to support Austin Mitchell's early day motion - more or less all I reckon he could do (since I hadn't been arrested or anything).

It being recess, I received an out-of-office reply.

Then late last night I received this response:

Thankyou for your email, and I am sorry to hear about your experiences, which I also find concerning.

I have had a look at Austin Mitchell's EDM, and I will add my name in support. It will appear on the list of backers when Parliament resumes.

Hopefully the strength of support for the EDM will underline concern at what is clearly a misuse of police powers.

I must admit I am impressed, both with the promptness of his response and his support for the EDM.

So I have also written to my MSP, urging him to make sure the police in Scotland do not behave in a similar fashion.

Comments

[fiendish-cat.livejournal.com]

Gosh, that's amazing. Though rather makes you wonder what he misses out on when you don't write to him!

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Mmm, I hadn't thought of that.

[jen-c-w.livejournal.com]

there's about 40 EDMs get tabled a day...it's probably somewhat unreasonable to expect MPs to see all of them.

[fiendish-cat.livejournal.com]

Wow, I didn't know there were that many. Fair enough then I suppose. But sad really, that so many good things could be missed by MPs who would support them if only they knew they were there.

Guess it brings home our responsibility to badger our MPs about the things we care about.

[jen-c-w.livejournal.com]

yes, definitely. Although EDMs aren't neccessarily the best way. Because there are so many - the 40 a day may be an overexaggeration, but there are certainly hundreds each session - they can largely be ignored by the Executive - unless hundreds of MPs sign them. This is pretty unusual - and usually front benchers refuse to sign them.
A better way is to ask questions at the relative time, or to table an adjournment debate - again, with these normally only a couple of people turn up, but at least the minister has to go, and respond to the debate.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

I hadn't realised. It kinds of puts things into perspective.

[missedith01.livejournal.com]

TheyWorkForYou is a fantastic thing. Good for you.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Well, good for him is what I thought!

[jen-c-w.livejournal.com]

ML's quite a class act actually. He tends to answer his emails himself, and promptly. He's also done some absolutely stirling work on climate change. I'd have liked to see him in a junior ministerial role at some point, but I think the characteristics that make one a superb backbencher/constituency MP aren't neccessarily aligned with those that curry favour to get you into ministerial roles.
Incidentally, where you were taking the pic is about five minutes from my door.