How To Talk To Your MP Notes
From ORG Wiki
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[edit] Why is it important to talk to/meet your MP?
- It is the most effective way of letting Parliament know what you think about the Bill.
- MPs listen to you if you present a good case.
- They are interested in their constituents' concerns, so your opinion might change their mind.
[edit] How do I find out who my MP is?
- We've provided details of MPs in the areas we're holding training days, and how to contact them. Some MPs have this on their pages; London MPs are listed on the London MP Surgeries page. You can also use writetothem.com
- You can also call the House of Commons information line: 020 7219 4272
[edit] How do I contact my MP?
- Write to your MP explaining in brief why you disagree with the Bill, and ask to meet in person to discuss it further.
- Attend the meeting, explaining in further the problematic points of the Bill and asking them to talk to other MPs and ministers about the problems.
- Follow up with another letter thanking your MP for their time and reminding them of the tasks you have set them.
[edit] What should my letter include?
- Give an example of how the legislation will affect you personally: this is more likely to attract the MP's attention.
- Make it clear what you are asking the MP to do in response – give an instruction. e.g. obtain information from the Government, speak to other MPs/ministers, etc.
- Remember to include your full name and address: you need to make it clear that you are a constituent. Don't write to any MP but your own.
- Write in your own words, and keep it short – one A4 page or less.
- Stick to one issue per letter.
- Use bullet points to highlight your arguments – see our list of Key Points – and include supporting facts to back up your case.
- Ask for a reply.
[edit] What should I do when I meet my MP?
- Write down any specific comments made by your MP. We want to know about them!
- If your MP is keen to work more closely with ORG, please let us know!
[edit] What should I ask my MP to do?
- Write to an appropriate minister on your behalf.
- Vote for the amendments dealing with your concerns.
- Encourage them to speak in debate and emphasis that peoples' rights need to be protected.
[edit] General Tips
- You probably know more about the issue than your MP does. Try not to confuse them.
- You help MPs to represent you more effectively, and they are willing to listen to your concerns.
- MPs are very busy. Keep letters, phone calls and meetings short and to the point.
- Talking to your MP is not about persuading them to rebel, but to ensure due process is observed and concerns acknowledged.
- Cultivate a relationship with an MP's staff. Secretaries, caseworkers or researchers will often be your first point of contact and they decide which letters need to be seen by an MP.
- Be polite and courteous: say thankyou!
[edit] Key Points
- A subscriber is not the same as an infringer, who could be a customer, friend or family member.
- Disconnection could be a very harsh punishment, disrupting someone's business or education.
- Appeals mechanisms are unclear, as are the defences. There is no defence, for instance, that you had done your best to reasonably ensure no infringement occurred on your Internet account.
- Nothing in the Bill will make sure that content businesses develop and compete, and reduce the temptation to infringe.
- Internet access is vital for individuals in today's society. Alternatives to disconnection include taking people to court, as outlined in Stage 1, and imposing small fines, whose consequence is easier to judge.
- Providers of open wifi services are threatened, such as cafes, bars, landlords and hotels would be liable for the infringing activities of their customers, which could result in these services being withdrawn.
[edit] Common and Difficult Questions
- Do you download illegal content?
- Emphasise that you buy legal content, and you are defending innocent people's rights, not the ability to infringe. Point out that because ISPs and copyright holders have no obligation to prove accusations, you could be disconnected anyway, even though you haven't infringed.
- But it's theft, isn't it?
- Thieves get a fair trial before they are punished. If we treat copyright infringement as theft, then we should afford individuals accused of infringement the same rights to fully defend themselves.
- Shouldn't someone, for example, a parent, be responsible for an Internet connection?
- It is unusual for someone to be accountable for someone else's use of their equipment. However, if this is the case, then there must be a limit. For instance, if you have done everything reasonable to secure your Internet access, then you should not be responsible for someone else's circumvention of your attempts to stop them.
- Artists are losing money.
- We want artists to make money, but we also want citizen's rights protected. If copyright enforcements are extended as the Bill suggests, then more protection of their rights is needed.
- What's your alternative to disconnection?
- Court judgements with potential for small fines.
- People will be able to appeal.
- The appeals are likely to be limited. Innocence will not be an argument, as the account holder will be responsible for anyone's infringement using their account. Mitigating circumstances or the possibility of serious harm from disconnection may not be in the power of tribunals to consider. Only strict matters of law are likely to be considered.
